How to Protect Yourself from the Evil Eye?

Question

I often hear people talking about the “evil eye” and its effects. What exactly is the evil eye in Islam, and how can I protect myself from it?

Bottom Line

The evil eye (al-‘ayn) is real and can harm by Allah’s will. Protection lies in the Qur’an, Sunnah-based ruqyah, prescribed duas, and tawakkul. At the same time, symptoms such as fatigue or hair loss may have medical causes, so consulting a doctor is necessary.

Quick Answer

The evil eye refers to harm caused when someone looks at another with envy. Islam teaches protection through the recitation of the Qur’an, ruqyah, and supplication. If afflicted, one may seek healing by ruqyah or by asking the afflicter to wash and pour that water over the afflicted. Signs of affliction should not be confused with medical issues.

Key Points

• The evil eye (al-‘ayn) is affirmed in the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
• Protection includes reciting al-Mu‘awwidhatayn, Ayat al-Kursi, and authentic duas.
• Self-ruqyah is a Sunnah remedy.
• If the afflicter is known, the Sunnah washing method can be applied.
• Medical issues should not be ignored—Islam combines physical and spiritual remedies.

Detailed Answer

The evil eye is when a person harms another with their gaze, rooted in envy or ill feelings. 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

Allah commanded seeking refuge from it:

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

Scholars describe it as unseen harm transmitted through envy or jealousy, likened to an arrow from the soul of the envier Zad al-Ma‘ad, Ibn al-Qayyim

Ways of Protection

• Recite daily: Surah al-Falaq, Surah an-Nas, Surah al-Ikhlas, Surah al-Fatihah, and Ayat al-Kursi.
• Make dua:
  • A‘udhu bi kalimat-illahi al-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.
  • Hasbiyallahu la ilaha illa Huwa, ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul-‘Arsh al-‘Azim Qur’an 9:129
• Ruqyah: Reciting Qur’an over oneself or seeking it from others. The Prophet ﷺ approved ruqyah for the evil eye.
• Washing method: If the afflicter is known, he should wash, and that water is poured over the afflicted Abu Dawud 3880

Medical Precaution

Symptoms such as hair loss, dark circles, or fatigue are not always from the evil eye. They may result from natural causes. Islam encourages medical treatment:

“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

Protect yourself daily with Qur’an and duas. If afflicted, seek ruqyah and apply the Sunnah washing method. At the same time, consult a doctor to rule out health conditions. Islam complements spiritual remedies with medical care.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources:

• Qur’an 113:5: Seek refuge from envy.
• Sahih Muslim 2188: The evil eye is real.
• Sahih Muslim 2199a: Ruqyah for the evil eye.
• Abu Dawud 3880: Washing method.
• Abu Dawud 3855: On seeking treatment.

Secondary Sources:

• Ibn al-Qayyim, Zad al-Ma‘ad : Classical discussion on the evil eye and remedies.
• Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim :Commentary on a hadith about ruqyah and protection.
• Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu‘ al-Fatawa : Stresses combining tawakkul with using remedies.