Evil Eye Ruqyah: Duas and Prophetic Remedies

Question

What should a Muslim do if they suspect they have been afflicted by the evil eye? Are there specific ruqyah, duas, or Sunnah remedies for protection and cure?

Bottom Line

The evil eye is real, but its cure lies in Qur’an, Sunnah-based ruqyah, duas, and tawakkul. Protection comes only by Allah’s permission.

Quick Answer

The Prophet ﷺ confirmed the evil eye and taught remedies: reciting Surah al-Falaq, an-Nas, al-Ikhlas, al-Fatiha, and Ayat al-Kursi, along with authentic duas of protection. If the afflicter is known, washing and pouring the water over the afflicted is Sunnah. Medical treatment should also be sought when needed.

Key Takeaways

• The evil eye is affirmed in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah.
• Ruqyah and protective duas are the primary Sunnah remedies.
• If the afflicter is known, washing and pouring the water is prescribed.

Detailed Answer

The Qur’an mentions the harm of envy:

“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.”
Qur’an 113:5)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the Divine decree, it would be the evil eye.”
Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2188)

Ibn al-Qayyim explained that the evil eye is like an arrow from the soul of the envier, which strikes unless the victim is protected (Zād al-Ma‘ād).

1. Sunnah Ruqyah

– Recite Surah al-Falaq, an-Nas, al-Ikhlas, al-Fatiha, and Ayat al-Kursi. – Dua taught by Jibril to the Prophet ﷺ: Bismillahi arqīka min kulli shay’in yu’dheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin ḥasid, Allahu yashfīka, bismillahi arqīka Abu Dawud 3883

2. Duas of Protection

– A‘ūdhu bi kalimātillāhi al-tāmmāti min sharri mā khalaq. – Ḥasbiyallāhu lā ilāha illā Huwa, ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul-‘Arshil-‘Azīm Qur’an 9:129. – The Prophet ﷺ recited for Hasan and Husayn: U‘īdhukumā bi kalimātillāhi al-tāmmāti min kulli shayṭānin wa ḥāmmatin wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3371.

3. Washing of the Afflicter

If the person who gave the evil eye is known, they should wash, and the water is poured over the afflicted. This is established in the hadith of Sahl ibn Hunayf, Abu Dawud 3880

4. Medical Considerations

Not all symptoms come from the evil eye. Fatigue, hair loss, or illness may be medical. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it.”
Abu Dawud 3855)

Thus, a Muslim should combine ruqyah with medical treatment when needed.

What This Means for You

If you suspect the evil eye, recite the Sunnah ruqyah daily, use the prescribed duas, and strengthen tawakkul. Avoid cultural practices not based on Sunnah. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. Healing is by Allah’s permission alone.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Falaq 113:5: Protection from envy.
2. At-Tawbah 9:129: Reliance upon Allah.

Hadith

3. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2188: The evil eye is real.
4. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3371: Dua of protection for Hasan and Husayn.
5. Abu Dawud 3880: Washing of the afflicter.
6. Abu Dawud 3883 : Ruqyah of Jibril.
7. Abu Dawud 3855: Encouragement of medical treatment.

Secondary Sources

8. Ibn al-Qayyim, Zād al-Ma‘ād, describes the evil eye as an arrow of envy.
9. Al-Nawawi, Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Commentary on hadiths about ruqyah and protection.
10. Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmū‘ al-Fatāwa (19/49): Explanation of the evil eye and remedies.