How to Perform Ruqyah on Yourself Safely

Question

What are the virtues of a Muslim reciting ruqyah for himself? What is the evidence for that? What should he say when he recites ruqyah for himself?

Bottom Line

Doing ruqyah for yourself is a Sunnah.

Quick Answer

Self-ruqyah is permissible and recommended. The Prophet ﷺ recited ruqyah for himself and others. The Qur’an and Sunnah provide specific recitations such as al-Fatiha, al-Mu‘awwidhatayn, Ayat al-Kursi, and duas like A‘udhu bi ‘izzat-illah wa qudratihi. This does not contradict tawakkul, and it is distinct from asking others to perform ruqyah.

Key Takeaways

• Self-ruqyah is Sunnah, practiced by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.
• Key recitations: al-Fatiha, al-Mu‘awwidhatayn, Ayat al-Kursi, and al-Ikhlas.
• Dua for pain: Bismillah (3x), then A‘udhu bi ‘izzat-illah wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajid wa uhadhir (7x).

Detailed Answer

Reciting ruqyah for oneself is part of the Sunnah. ‘Aishah (RA) said:

“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was ill, he would recite al-Mu‘awwidhat over himself and blow lightly. When his pain became severe, I would recite over him and wipe him with his own hand, seeking its blessing.” Bukhari 4728; Muslim 2192

The hadith of the seventy thousand who will enter Jannah without reckoning mentions “they did not recite ruqyah.” Scholars explained this refers to not asking others for ruqyah, not self-ruqyah. Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim clarified that self-ruqyah is a good practice Majmu‘ al-Fatawa, 1/182

1. Qur’an in Ruqyah

• Al-Fatiha: Proven in the hadith of the Sahabi who recited it over a tribal chief stung by a scorpion, and he was healed Bukhari 2276; Muslim 2201
• Al-Mu‘awwidhatayn (al-Falaq, an-Nas), al-Ikhlas, and Ayat al-Kursi: Recited for protection and healing.

2. Sunnah Duas

• Placing the hand on the area of pain and saying: Bismillah (3x), then A‘udhu bi ‘izzat-illah wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajid wa uhadhir (7x).  Muslim 2202.
• Dua of protection for children: U‘idhukuma bi kalimatillahi al-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammah wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah. Bukhari 3191.

What This Means for You

You should perform ruqyah for yourself regularly. Recite Qur’an (especially al-Fatihah and al-Mu‘awwidhatayn), use Sunnah duas for pain and protection, and place full trust in Allah. Avoid cultural practices not based on evidence. Self-ruqyah is both a shield and a Sunnah reminder that healing comes only from Allah.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Fatihah – Greatest ruqyah surah.
2. Al-Falaq & An-Nas – Protection from envy and harm.
3. Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) – Verse of protection.

Hadith 

1. Bukhari 4728; Muslim 2192 – Prophet ﷺ reciting ruqyah for himself.
2. Bukhari 2276; Muslim 2201 – al-Fatiha as ruqyah for scorpion sting.
3. Muslim 2202 – Dua for pain.
4. Bukhari 3191 – Dua of protection for Hasan and Husayn.

Secondary Sources

8. Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu‘ al-Fatawa – On ruqyah as du‘a.
9. Ibn al-Qayyim, Hadi al-Arwah – Clarification on ruqyah narrations.
10. Ibn al-Qayyim, Zad al-Ma‘ad – On the Prophet’s ﷺ healing practices.