How to Know if Someone Is Afflicted by the Evil Eye

Question

How can I know if someone is afflicted by the evil eye? What are the signs, and how can one distinguish them from normal sickness or stress?

Bottom Line

The evil eye is real and may manifest in sudden illness, weakness, or misfortune. However, not every symptom is due to the evil eye; many causes are medical. Islam teaches combining ruqyah and Sunnah remedies with proper medical consultation.

Quick Answer

Possible signs of the evil eye include sudden fatigue, illness without medical cause, loss of appetite, headaches, or repeated misfortunes. The Prophet ﷺ prescribed ruqyah, du‘a, and if the afflicter is known, asking them to wash and pour that water over the afflicted. Medical checks remain essential to rule out natural explanations.

Key Points

• The evil eye (al-‘ayn) is affirmed in the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
• Signs may include sudden weakness, illness, or ongoing difficulties without a clear cause.
• Ruqyah and the washing method are prophetic remedies.
• Not all symptoms are evil eye—stress, illness, or deficiencies can cause similar effects.
• A Muslim should combine spiritual treatment with medical remedies.

Detailed Answer

The Arabic word al-‘ayn (evil eye) refers to harm caused when someone looks at another with envy. It may result in sudden affliction, but it only occurs by Allah’s will. Allah commanded His Prophet ﷺ to seek refuge from it:

“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

Ibn al-Qayyim compared it to an arrow from the soul of the envier, sometimes hitting and sometimes missing Zad al-Ma‘ad

Common Signs of the Evil Eye

• Sudden fatigue or weakness without a medical explanation.
• Persistent headaches, loss of appetite, or dark circles.
• Unusual sadness, withdrawal, or tension without cause.
• Repeated failure, accidents, or misfortune.
• Children may cry excessively, lose sleep, or refuse to feed.

⚠️ These are only possible indicators. They do not prove affliction on their own. Medical consultation is essential alongside ruqyah.

Remedies When Afflicted

• Ruqyah: recite al-Mu‘awwidhatayn, al-Fatiha, Ayat al-Kursi, and authentic duas.
• If the afflicter is known, ask them to wash and pour the water over the afflicted
• Daily adhkar and duas of protection, such as:
  • A‘udhu bi kalimat-illahi al-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.
  • A‘udhu bi kalimat-illahi al-tammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqabihi, wa min sharri ‘ibadihi, wa min hamazat al-shayatin wa an yahdurun.
• Precautionary protection strengthens tawakkul and shields against envy.

What This Means for You

If you suspect evil eye, recognize possible signs without rushing to conclusions. Use Qur’an and Sunnah remedies, and consult doctors to rule out natural causes. Protect yourself with daily adhkar, humility, and reliance on Allah.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources:

• Qur’an 113:5:Protection from envy.
• Sahih Muslim 2188: The evil eye is real.
• Abu Dawud 3880: Washing as a remedy.

Secondary Sources:

• Ibn al-Qayyim, Zad al-Ma‘ad : On the evil eye as an arrow of envy.
• Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim : Explains rulings on ruqyah and the evil eye.