🧿 Exploring RUQYAH (رقية): Islamic Healing and Protection
Comprehensive Definition
Ruqyah (رقية) refers to a set of practices in Islam that involves reciting specific verses from the Qur’an and invocations to seek protection, healing, and exorcism. Traditionally used to address physical, psychological, and spiritual ailments, ruqyah is a means of seeking refuge from harmful entities and influences, aligning with specific tenets of Islamic faith and spirituality.
Etymology and Background
The term Ruqyah is derived from the Arabic root r-q-y, which means to ascend or to be elevated. It later took on the meaning of spell or incantation, often referred to in hadiths related to exorcism and protection.
Historically, ruqyah incorporates elements from pre-Islamic healing traditions but was refined and given a monotheistic framework within Islam, emphasizing reliance on Allah alone for protection and cure.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Cultural Differences:
- Middle Eastern Cultures: Frequently incorporate ruqyah as part of daily religious practice, using Qur’anic verses and prayers to protect against the “evil eye” and malevolent spirits.
- South Asian Cultures: Combine ruqyah with other local exorcism and healing rituals, involving additional spiritual practices and local customs.
- Western Interpretations: In Western countries, ruqyah is often viewed alongside modern medical treatments, sometimes misconceived as mere superstition.
Similarities:
- Across all Islamic cultures, ruqyah maintains a primary focus on recitations from the Qur’an, ensuring a unified basis for the practice.
- The method emphasizes monotheism, reinforcing the belief that ultimate protection and healing come from Allah alone.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
Synonyms:
- Enchantment
- Recitation
- Healing Incantation
Antonyms:
- Sorcery (Sihr, سحر)
- Black Magic
- Curse
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Tibb (طبّ): Islamic traditional medicine.
- Sihr (سحر): Witchcraft or black magic, often condemned in Islam.
- Azaan (أذان): The call to prayer, known for its protective qualities due to the recitation of word “Allah”.
Exciting Facts
- Narrative Influence: Reputable sources of hadiths detail the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) own practice of ruqyah, making it an authentic and recommended action.
- Hybrid Practices: In modern times, ruqyah is often intertwined with psychological counseling and medical treatments to provide holistic care.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “Indeed, the best cure for you is ruqyah.” - Prophet Muhammad (Sahih Muslim)
- “There is no wrongful healing in ruqyah as long as there is no shirk (idolatry).” - Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
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Books:
- “Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (PBUH)” by Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
- “Ruqyah: Spiritual Healing in Islam” by Dr. Faaruq Mustapha
- “The Jinn and Human Sickness” by Dr. Abul Mundhir Khaleel ibn Ibrahim Ameen.
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Articles and Journals:
- “The Role of Ruqyah in Islamic Therapeutic Practices” in Journal of Islamic Studies
- “Cultural Interpretations of Healing and Exorcism in Islam” in Comparative Religion Review
Quizzes on RUQYAH (رقية)
Final Farewell
As we delve into the intertwining aspects of spirituality and supernatural protection, ruqyah epitomizes the symbiotic relationship between faith and healing in Islam. Through understanding and respectful application, one unravels the profound solace embedded in these venerable practices.
In your quest for comprehensive knowledge, always reach out to the encompassing wisdom both ancient and new. May your journey of enlightenment be as enriching as the knowledge it unravels.
Farewell thoughts by Layla Karim
