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Is it permissible to exercise ijtihad (independent reasoning) in the actions of ruqyah—such as taking a trace of the envious person—or is it limited to verbal pronouncements? And when does ijtihad in the actions of ruqyah become forbidden?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Ruqyah is defined as non-restrictive, permissible with any lawful supplication, as long as it does not involve shirk (polytheism). Its effectiveness relies on experience, similar to medical treatment. The benefit of taking from theainer's traces and reciting over water, oil, and the patient's body has been proven.

Scholars differed regarding recorded Ruqyah. Some prohibited it due to the absence of direct intention and blowing (naft), while others permitted it because the one who recorded it had the intention, and blowing is not a condition. Its benefit has been proven through experience. Listening to recorded Ruqyah is beneficial, Allah willing, though it is preferable for a person to recite the Qur'an himself or have someone else recite it over him.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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