How to read ruqyah simply means how to recite the Quran and the authentic supplications of the Prophet ﷺ over yourself or another person, seeking Allah’s protection and healing. Reading ruqyah is one of the most rewarding daily habits a Muslim can build — it protects against the evil eye, envy, sihr, and the harm of the jinn, and brings peace to the heart. At Ad-Dua Ruqyah Center, with over 6 years of experience since 2020, we teach a clear, shirk-free way to read ruqyah from the Quran and Sunnah. This guide focuses on exactly what to recite for ruqyah and how to read it correctly.

Key point — the words you read are the words of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, but the cure comes from Allah alone, by His permission. Read with understanding and certainty, never mechanically, and never with amulets or unknown “spells”.

The Right Mindset Before You Read

Before learning what to recite for ruqyah, get the heart right, because reading ruqyah is an act of worship:

• Be sincere (ikhlas) — you are asking Allah, not the words themselves, for a cure.
• Have certainty (yaqin) that the Quran is a true healing (Surah Al-Isra 17:82).
• Read with presence of heart and, as much as possible, understanding of the meaning.
• Ideally be in a state of wudu, in a clean and quiet place.

What to Recite for Ruqyah (In Order)

Here is exactly what to read for ruqyah, in a natural order:

1. Surah Al-Fatihah — the greatest chapter and the foundation of ruqyah. A companion recited it over a sick man who then recovered, and the Prophet ﷺ approved it (Sahih Bukhari).
2. Ayatul Kursi (Al-Baqarah 2:255) — the most powerful verse for protection; whoever reads it at night is guarded until morning (Sahih Bukhari).
3. The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286).
4. Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas (the three Quls), each three times.
5. Verses against sihr and the evil eye — Al-Baqarah 102, Al-A’raf 117-122, Yunus 81-82, Ta-Ha 65-69 — when relevant.

The Prophetic Duas to Read

Alongside the Quran, these authentic supplications are part of how to read ruqyah:

“Bismillahi arqik, min kulli shay’in yu’dhik, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin hasid, Allahu yashfik, bismillahi arqik.”
“In the name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that harms you, and from the evil of every soul or envious eye. May Allah heal you.” (Sahih Muslim)

“Allahumma Rabban-nas, adhhibil-ba’s, ishfi antash-Shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk, shifa’an la yughadiru saqama.”
“O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the harm and heal, for You are the Healer; there is no cure but Your cure.” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)

How to Read Ruqyah Over Yourself

The best ruqyah is the one you read over yourself. How to read ruqyah for yourself:

• Recite the verses and duas above, then lightly blow into your palms.
• Wipe your hands over your head, face, chest, and as much of the body as you can reach — as the Prophet ﷺ did with the three Quls before sleep (Sahih Bukhari).
• Repeat the reading and wiping, especially morning and evening and before sleep.

How to Read Ruqyah Over Water and Oil

You can also read ruqyah over water and olive oil:

1. Recite Al-Fatihah, Ayatul Kursi, the three Quls, and the ruqyah verses over the water and oil.
2. Blow gently over them after reading.
3. Drink the water over several days, bathe with it, and rub the oil on the body.

Reading Ruqyah for Someone Else

To read ruqyah over another person, recite the same verses and duas, direct the prophetic dua toward them (“…arqik” — for you), and blow gently over them or place your hand on their head. Keep them calm and remind them to trust Allah. For complex cases, involve an experienced, shirk-free raqi.

Reading Tips for Non-Arabic Speakers

If you are still learning Arabic, keep these tips in mind while reading ruqyah:

• Recite the Quranic verses in Arabic — learn correct pronunciation from a qualified teacher or a reliable recitation.
• Use transliteration only as a temporary aid; aim to read from the Arabic text.
• Read the meaning in your own language too, so your heart is present.
• Consistency matters more than speed or a specific number of repetitions.

Mistakes to Avoid When Reading Ruqyah

• ❌ Reading vague, unknown, or non-Quranic words or “spells”.
• ❌ Relying on amulets (taweez) instead of reading and blowing.
• ❌ Reading mechanically, without belief or understanding.
• ❌ Going to sorcerers or fortune-tellers — this is haram.
• ❌ Abandoning medical treatment — ruqyah is a complement, not a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do I read for ruqyah?

Read Surah Al-Fatihah, Ayatul Kursi, the last two verses of Al-Baqarah, and the three Quls (Ikhlas, Falaq, Nas), plus the prophetic ruqyah duas.

How do I read ruqyah for myself?

Recite the verses and duas, blow into your hands, and wipe over your body — with sincerity and trust that Allah is the Healer.

Do I have to read in Arabic?

The Quranic verses should be read in Arabic. You may make the personal duas in your own language, and it helps to understand the meaning of what you read.

How many times should I read?

There is no fixed obligatory number; the three Quls are commonly read three times. Regularity matters more than a specific count.

Is reading ruqyah a replacement for medicine?

No. Ruqyah is a spiritual means alongside proper medical care. Healing comes only from Allah; the raqi and the doctor are both only guides.

Learn More

New to the topic? Start with What is Ruqyah in Islam? and see the full method in How to Perform Ruqyah (Step by Step). For the primary sources, read the hadith on the Mu’awwidhat before sleep and Surah Al-Fatihah.

📌 Note: Healing comes only from Allah. Ruqyah is a spiritual means and the raqi is only a guide — it is not a replacement for medical or psychological treatment. Learn correct Quranic pronunciation from a qualified teacher, and consult a doctor for any health condition.