Evil Eye Ruqyah: Duas and Sunnah Remedies

Question

What should a Muslim do if they suspect they have been afflicted by the evil eye? Are there specific ruqyah, duas, or Sunnah remedies for protection and cure?

Bottom Line

The evil eye is real and can be harmed by Allah’s will, but its cure lies in ruqyah, Sunnah-based duas, and tawakkul. Recite Qur’an, perform ruqyah, use protective supplications, and if the afflicter is known, ask them to wash and pour the water over the afflicted. Healing comes only by Allah’s permission.

Quick Answer

The Prophet ﷺ confirmed the evil eye and taught remedies: reciting al-Falaq, an-Nas, al-Ikhlas, al-Fatiha, and Ayat al-Kursi, along with authentic duas. If the afflicter is known, their washing water is poured over the afflicted, as established in hadith. These are authentic Sunnah remedies—not cultural rituals.

Key Points

• The evil eye (al-‘ayn) is affirmed in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah.
• Protection lies in Qur’an and Sunnah-based ruqyah.
• Daily recitation of al-Mu‘awwidhatayn, Ayat al-Kursi, and al-Fatiha is recommended.
• Duas include seeking refuge in Allah’s perfect words and reliance upon Him.
• If the afflicter is known, washing and pouring the water over the afflicted is Sunnah.
• Precautionary adhkar (daily remembrance and supplications) strengthen reliance on Allah.

Detailed Answer

The evil eye is mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.” Qur’an 113:5

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the Divine decree, it would be the evil eye.” Sahih Muslim 2188

Scholars explained that the evil eye begins with admiration mixed with envy, leading to harm by Allah’s will. Ibn al-Qayyim described it as an arrow from the soul of the envier that strikes unless the victim is protected (Zad al-Ma‘ad).

1. Sunnah Ruqyah

• Recitation: Surah al-Falaq, Surah an-Nas, Surah al-Ikhlas, Surah al-Fatihah, and Ayat al-Kursi.
• Dua taught by Jibril to the Prophet ﷺ:
  Bismillahi arqīka min kulli shay’in yu’dheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw ‘aynin ḥasid, Allahu yashfīka, bismillahi arqīka
  Abu Dawud 3883

2. Duas of Protection

• A‘ūdhu bi kalimāt-illāhi al-tammāti min sharri mā khalaq – “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He created.”
• Ḥasbiyallāhu lā ilāha illā Huwa, ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul-‘Arshil-‘Azīm Qur’an 9:129
• U‘īdhukumā bi kalimāt-illāhi al-tammāti min kulli shayṭānin wa ḥāmmatin wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah – recited by the Prophet ﷺ for al-Hasan and al-Husayn Bukhari 3371

3. Washing of the Afflicter

If the one who caused the evil eye is identified, the Sunnah is to request them to wash, and the water be poured over the afflicted. This is based on the hadith of Sahl ibn Hunayf Abu Dawud 3880

4. Medical Considerations

Some symptoms, like fatigue, hair loss, or dark circles, can be medical. Islam encourages consulting doctors alongside spiritual remedies:

“Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it.” Abu Dawud 3855

What This Means for You

If you suspect the evil eye, recite daily ruqyah, use the prescribed duas, and live with humility. Avoid cultural practices. If symptoms suggest illness, seek medical help. Healing lies only with Allah.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources:

• Qur’an 113:5: Protection from envy.
• Sahih Muslim 2188: The evil eye is real.
• Bukhari 3371 : Dua for Hasan and Husayn.
• Abu Dawud 3880 : Washing method.
• Abu Dawud 3883 : Ruqyah of Jibril.
• Qur’an 9:129 : Reliance upon Allah.
• Abu Dawud 3855: On seeking treatment.

Secondary Sources:

• Ibn al-Qayyim, Zad al-Ma‘ad, describes the evil eye as an arrow of envy.
• Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim: Commentary on hadiths regarding ruqyah and evil eye remedies.
• Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu‘ al-Fatawa (19/49)