Exorcism in Islam: Understanding Ruqyah and Its Place in Islamic Practice

In the context of Islamic beliefs and practices, the concept of exorcism coexists with the broader body of teachings and rituals. The term ruqyah refers to the practice of seeking relief from harmful conditions through the recitation of verses from the Quran or proverbs. While traditional Western or Christian exorcisms involve more elaborate ceremonial practices and blessings, ruqyah remains a simpler, spiritual approach rooted in the Islamic creed.

False Prohibition and Real Practice

Despite some misconceptions, the practice of exorcism in Islam is not entirely absent but rather referred to as ruqyah. This contradicts the notion that Islam strictly prohibits such practices. Instead, many well-educated Islamic scholars and authorities recognize and support ruqyah as a valid and permissible method for dealing with various afflictions, both physical and spiritual.

The practice of ruqyah is rooted in the holistic health and wellness principles of Islam, which include both physical and spiritual dimensions. As noted in the Quran, believers are encouraged to seek God's help in mitigating harm and seeking good fortune: Verily if thou shouldst ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth? they will say: Allah. Say: Then do thou invoke Him, if thou try to invoke Him alone. The Quran, 39:38.

The Nature of Ruqyah

Ruqyah is a practice that involves the recitation of specific verses or prayers from the Quran to seek divine assistance. It is often understood as a form of spiritual healing or protection against evil forces or illnesses. The concept of ruqyah aligns with the Islamic belief in the three creations mentioned in Surah al-Dhariyat 56: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” The belief in such creations includes the existence of jinn, who can possess humans and cause various troubles.

Reasons for Jinn Possession

Jinn are believed to be a significant factor in cases of possession and haunting. This possession can occur due to multiple reasons, including:

Unintentional Harm: A person could unintentionally harm a jinn, such as by urinating or throwing hot water on it, which could lead to a grudge and subsequent possession. Attraction: A jinn may fall in love with a human, which can result in possession. Evil Intentions: Some jinn have malicious intent and may possess a person out of malice or for no specific reason, particularly when the person is in an emotional state or unconscious. Service of Sorcerers: Jinn may haunt someone to serve a sorcerer.

Recitation for Ruqyah

Specific Quranic verses are commonly used in ruqyah. These include:

Surah Al-Fatihah Surah Al-Baqarah: 1-5, 102, 163-164, 255, 285-286 Surah Ali-Imran: 18-19 Surah Al-Araf: 54-56, 117-122 Surah Yunus: 81-82 Surah Taha: 69 Surah Al-Mukminun: 115-118 Surah As-Soffaat: 1-10 Surah Al-Ahqaaf: 29-32 Surah Ar-Rahman: 33-36 Surah Al-Hasyr: 21-24 Surah Al-Jin: 1-9 Surah Al-Ikhlas Surah Al-Falaq Surah An-Naas

The selection of these verses is based on their blessings and their ability to repel evil and provide protection. The practice of ruqyah is seen as a way to counteract the negative influence of jinn and ensure overall well-being.

Conclusion

While the concept of exorcism in Western or Christian contexts may differ, the practice of ruqyah in Islam provides a means to address issues related to spiritual and emotional well-being. Understanding the nature of ruqyah and its place in Islamic practice offers valuable insights into the rich and diverse spiritual traditions within Islam.