Sihr, Ayn & Jinn Possession – Ruqya, Healing and Protection in Islam

Hijama and Sihr – From the Sunnah

Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) mentioned that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was cupped on his head when he was afflicted with sihr (magic), and that hijama is among the best forms of treatment when performed correctly.

Zaad al-Ma‘aad (4/125–126)

This shows that Islam recognises both spiritual and physical means of healing, with hijama being one of them.

The Hadith of ‘Aisha (رضي الله عنها)

‘Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ was affected by sihr until Allah revealed the cause and cured him. When asked whether he removed the object of magic, the Prophet ﷺ replied:

“Allah has cured me, and I feared that it might cause harm among the people.”

(Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

This teaches us:

1. Sihr exists

2. Cure is from Allah alone

3. Healing does not require fear or obsession

4. Wisdom and restraint are essential

What Is Ruqya?

Ruqya is the recitation of:

• Qur’an

• Authentic supplications from the Sunnah

• Seeking refuge in Allah through His Names and Attributes

  
  

It is used as a means of treatment and protection against:

• Sihr (magic)

• Ayn (evil eye)

• Hasad (envy)

• Jinn possession

• Physical and emotional illness

  
  

Ruqya strengthens iman, increases taqwa, protects against shirk, and serves as da‘wah and reminder.

The Qur’an as Healing

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Qur’an 17:81

“Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed, falsehood is bound to perish.”

Qur’an 17:82

“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers.”

The Qur’an is shifa and rahmah. Healing comes from Allah, not from the means themselves.

Trials Are a Means of Purification

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“No believer is afflicted with illness, anxiety, grief, or even the prick of a thorn except that Allah expiates his sins because of it.”

(Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

Allah says:

Qur’an 94:6

“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”

Qur’an 2:286

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”

The Plot of Shaytan Is Weak

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Qur’an 4:76

“Indeed, the plot of Shaytan is weak.”

This verse removes fear and reminds us that no harm occurs except by Allah’s permission.

Mistakes That Prevent Healing

Common barriers to healing include:

Rushing and seeking instant results

Treating Ruqya as an experiment rather than with conviction

Visiting sorcerers or fortune-tellers

Lack of repentance and reliance upon Allah

Healing requires sincerity, patience, and trust.

Diagnosis and Balance

Just as physical illness requires diagnosis, spiritual illness must also be approached correctly. If an affliction is due to sihr, ayn, or possession, treatment is applied accordingly always within the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Islam encourages balance, avoiding fear, exaggeration, and neglect of medical care.

Final Reminder

Healing comes only from Allah.

Ruqya and hijama are means, not guarantees.

A believer combines:

1. Faith

2. Patience

3. Lawful treatment

4. Trust in Allah

May Allah grant healing, protection, and steadfastness to all who seek Him.