How to Recognize the Symptoms of the Evil Eye

Question

How can I know if someone is afflicted by the evil eye? What are the signs, and how can one distinguish them from normal sickness or stress?

Bottom Line

Al-‘ayn is real. Do ruqyah, see a doctor, skip the panic.

Quick Answer

Possible signs include sudden fatigue, unexplained illness, appetite loss, unusual sadness, or repeated setbacks. The Prophet ﷺ affirmed the evil eye and taught remedies like ruqyah and, when the person is known, asking them to wash and pouring that water over the afflicted. Always pair spiritual treatment with medical checks to rule out natural causes.

Key Takeaways

• The evil eye is real and evidenced in the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
• Signs are possible indicators, not proof; many symptoms have medical explanations.
• Best practice: combine Qur’an-and-Sunnah remedies with professional medical care.

Detailed Answer

The evil eye, al-‘ayn, is harm sparked by envy or intense admiration, and it only occurs by Allah’s permission. Allah told us to seek refuge from envy in Qur’an 113:5, and the Prophet ﷺ said,

“The evil eye is real” Sahih Muslim 2188

Ibn al-Qayyim likened it to an arrow from the envier that may hit or miss, by Allah’s will Zad al-Ma‘ad.

Scholars mention possible signs such as sudden sickness, fatigue, persistent headaches, loss of appetite, sadness without cause, or repeated misfortunes. Children may cry excessively, lose sleep, or refuse feeds. These are only indicators; they do not prove affliction. Islam teaches taking the means: do ruqyah with al-Fatiha, Ayat al-Kursi, and the Mu‘awwidhatayn, keep daily adhkar, and use authentic duas. If the person who envied is known, they should wash, and the afflicted pours that water over themselves. Abu Dawud 3880. Alongside this, seek medical evaluation so genuine health issues are not missed. For ongoing protection, see practical steps here: how to protect yourself from the evil eye.

Common Signs of the Evil Eye

• Sudden weakness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, or appetite changes without a clear cause.
• Persistent headaches, unusual sadness or irritability, tension out of character.
• Repeated mishaps or unexplained setbacks; in children, excessive crying or feeding refusal.

Indicators ≠ diagnosis. Keep ruqyah and get checked medically.

Remedies When Afflicted

• Ruqyah: al-Fatiha, Ayat al-Kursi, al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and an-Nas; blow into the hands and wipe over the body.
• If the person is known, ask them to wash; pour that water over the afflicted
• Daily adhkar and duas of protection; tighten privacy around blessings; reduce envy triggers. Practical tips: protect yourself.
• Address lifestyle causes: rest, nutrition, stress management, and medical follow-up.

What This Means for You

Notice patterns without jumping to conclusions. Keep ruqyah and adhkar consistent, get medical care when symptoms persist, and place your trust in Allah while taking the means.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Surah al-Falaq 113:5: Seeking refuge from the envier.

Hadith

2. Sahih Muslim 2188: “The evil eye is real.”
3. Abu Dawud 3880: Washing of the one who envied as a remedy.

Secondary Sources

4. Ibn al-Qayyim, Zad al-Ma‘ad: The evil eye is described as an arrow of envy.
5. Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim: Rulings on ruqyah and treatment.