The validity of ruqyah
*Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!*
Question: What is the Islaamic position regarding the ruqyah? I have heard about a companion (of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)) who treated a patient by ruqyah, and was given some sheep in return. This was approved by the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam), who said:

((Assign a share for me with you)).

And it is also reported that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) performed ruqyah by placing his hand over the painful area and supplicate:

((Lord of mankind, I beg You to remove the suffering)).

I have also heard that when the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) described the seventy thousand who will enter Paradise without judgement, he said:

((They are those who do not perform ruqyah nor do they seek ruqyah for themselves)).

It is also said that ruqyah is considered as shirk. I request you explain the matter to me so that I can be clear about it.

Response: It is allowed to perform ruqyah using Qur.aanic verses and legislated supplications, as the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((There is no harm in ruqyah so long as no shirk is involved)).

And this is in addition to that which occurs in other ahaadeeth.

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
al-Fataawa adh-Dhahabiyyah fir-Ruqaa ash-Shar'iyyah, Page 57