Is it permissible to go to a church and have the priest read over me to solve a problem of sorcery, after I have gone to many shaykhs without success?
Ruqyah is a legitimate cure with conditions for its acceptance and benefit. Scholars have unanimously agreed on the permissibility of ruqyah under three conditions: that it be with the words of Allah or His names and attributes, that it be in the Arabic language or what its meaning is known, and that it be believed that ruqyah does not affect by itself but rather by the permission of Allah. Scholars have differed regarding ruqyah performed by People of the Book. Some disliked it, fearing that it might contain shirk (polytheism) or magic, while others permitted it, provided that it be with the words of Allah or His known ذكر (remembrance). It is safer to avoid seeking ruqyah from People of the Book, as legitimate ruqyah is readily available through the words of Allah and the supplications of the Prophet, peace be upon him. The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta has issued a fatwa stating that it is not permissible to go to churches, sorcerers, or charlatans for treatment; rather, treatment should be through legitimate ruqyah. Entering churches is prohibited if it is on one of their holidays or if images are found within them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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