Foundational Recitations for Protection

Part 2 of “The Regimen: Ruqyah with the Qur’an and Sunnah”

Compiled by Dalia Elamawy

Introduction

Every journey of ruqyah begins with foundations — the words that establish Allah’s greatness, affirm His oneness, and ground the heart in worship.
These recitations form a shield of protection against shayṭān and are essential for any ruqyah regimen.

1. The Adhaan (الأذان)

الله أكبر، الله أكبر، الله أكبر، الله أكبر، أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله، أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله،
أشهد أن محمدًا رسولُ الله، أشهد أن محمدًا رسولُ الله، حيَّ على الصلاة، حيَّ على الصلاة،
حيَّ على الفلاح، حيَّ على الفلاح، الله أكبر، الله أكبر، لا إله إلا الله

Points to Ponder

The Adhaan declares Allah’s greatness over all things and our submission to His absolute oneness. It reminds us that the Messenger’s ﷺ path is the only path to follow, and that ṣalāh — the anchor that connects us to our purpose — is the true key to success in this life and the Hereafter.

Its Virtue and Benefit

The Adhaan is a powerful weapon against shayṭān. He flees when he hears its call.

How to Use It for Ruqyah

Recite it an odd number of times.

2. Surat al-Fātiḥah (الفاتحة)

Alhamdu lillaahi rabbil ‘aalameen
Ar-Rahmaani-r-Raheem
Maaliki yawmi-d-deen
Iyyaaka na‘budu wa iyyaaka nasta‘een
Ihdina-ṣ-ṣiraata-l-mustaqeem
Ṣiraata-l-ladheena an‘amta ‘alayhim ghayri-l-maghdhoobi ‘alayhim walad-daaalleen

Points to Ponder

I am reciting the greatest surah of the greatest speech. It is the foundation of the Qur’an.
In it, I praise and glorify Allah and affirm my ‘ubūdiyyah — my servitude to Him — singling Him out for worship alone.
It is a special du‘aa’ between me and my Lord, a plea to be guided to the straight path with the righteous, and a determined disavowal from those who went astray or angered Him.

Virtue and Benefit

Abu Sa‘id reported that the Messenger ﷺ of Allah said:

“The Opening of the Book (al-Fātiḥah) is a cure to every poison.”
(Ad-Dārimī)

Also, when a man was stung and a companion recited Surat al-Fātiḥah upon him, the Prophet ﷺ smiled and said:

“How did you know that Surah al-Fātiḥah is ruqyah?” (Bukhārī)

How to Use It for Ruqyah

Recite it an odd number of times.
It is a foundation for all types of ruqyah — physical pain, psychological affliction, ‘ain, siḥr, or possession.

(divinely revealed توقيفي)

3. Surat al-Baqarah (البقرة) 1–5

Alif-Lam-Mim.
This is the Book (the Qur’an), whereof there is no doubt — a guidance for those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious and righteous).
Those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend from what We have provided for them.
Those who believe in what has been revealed to you (Muhammad ﷺ) and what was revealed before you, and they are certain of the Hereafter.
They are on true guidance from their Lord, and they are the successful.

Points to Ponder

I have no doubt in this Book. It is my source of guidance.
Taqwa is built on my belief in the unseen — though I have not seen it, I know that Allah’s speech is the truest.
I live to strive in obedience, and my certainty in the Hereafter is my motivation.

How to Use It for Ruqyah

Recite it once.

“Recite Surat al-Baqarah, for reciting it is a blessing, leaving it is grief, and magicians cannot withstand it.”
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)

These recitations — the Adhaan, al-Fātiḥah, and the opening verses of al-Baqarah — form the spiritual groundwork for ruqyah.
They strengthen belief, repel evil, and establish protection by the permission of Allah, al-Shāfī.

Next in the series:
 “Ayat al-Sihr – Combating Magic through Qur’an” — exploring the verses that break the hold of sihr and affirm Allah’s ultimate control over harm and healing.