Powerful Duas and Prayers for Healing from Illness

Human lives are full of trials and difficulties. However, that is the nature of the mortal world, and we are supposed to deal with these tribulations with patience and bravery. Islam urges believers to remain steadfast in the face of trials, to pray to Allah (SWT) for solutions to their problems, and regularly recite prayers for healing and forgiveness. The Quran says:

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:153)

Illness is a trial that tests our resolve and willpower. However, for every illness, Allah (SWT) has also given a cure. As we strive for a cure, we should always remain cognizant of Allah’s (SWT) power over all matters and seek His mercy through prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) prayed to Allah (SWT) for protection against diseases.

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say: “O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from leprosy, madness, elephantiasis, and evil diseases.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, 1554)

In this blog, we will explore powerful prayers for healing and how Islam encourages us to stay steadfast and hopeful during these trials.

Pay Sadaqah to Avoid Calamities.

Balance Between Reason & Spirituality

Before we start exploring the recommended prayers, a heads-up is necessary: Islam is a pragmatic religion; therefore, if you or your loved ones are ill, a medical solution should be sought. Allah (SWT) wants believers to strive to find solutions to material problems while seeking His assistance. The Quran clearly instructs believers to seek knowledge about the universe and unravel its mysteries through reason.

“And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all from Him. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (Surat Al-Jāthiyah, 45:13)

Islam recommends a balanced approach. Although it is imperative to have complete faith in Allah’s (SWT) power to get us out of any situation, we must first put in our maximum effort. Therefore, prioritizing a medical solution to illness should be balanced with maintaining spiritual practices. Islamic spirituality doesn’t conflict with medical science; in fact, it supports it. No matter the remedy, healing comes only from Allah (SWT), and believers should always acknowledge that.

The Quran tells us: “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me” (Surat Ash-Shu`arā’, 26:80)

What is Ruqya & Is It an Islamic Practice?

Ruqya is the Islamic practice of reciting Quranic verses and supplications (duas) to seek healing or protection against illness. We get a clear indication from the Quran about its healing power in the following verse:

“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” (Surat Al-‘Isrā’, 17:82)

We learn about the healing power of Ruqya through Hadith as well. The Hadith tells us that the Prophet (ﷺ) recited Quranic verses to mitigate the pain of illness, especially during His final days.

“During the Prophet’s fatal illness, he used to recite the Mu’auwidhat (Surat An-Nas and Surat Al- Falaq) and then blow his breath over his body. When his illness was aggravated, I used to recite those two Suras and blow my breath over him and make him rub his body with his own hand for its blessings.” (Ma`mar asked Az-Zuhri: How did the Prophet (ﷺ) use to blow? Az-Zuhri said: He used to blow on his hands and then passed them over his face.)”(Sahih al-Bukhari 5735)

Moreover, Ruqya can also be used to protect against the evil eye.

The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered me or somebody else to do Ruqya (if there was danger) from an evil eye. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5738)

Find Spiritual Protection Through Prayers And Sadaqah

The Healing Powers of Surah-e-Fatiha—A Prayer for Healing & Guidance

We learn from authentic Hadiths that Surah-e-Fatiha was used as Ruqya by the Prophet and his companions. Here is a Hadith that tells us the power of these verses:

“Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri: Some of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) came across a tribe amongst the tribes of the Arabs, and that tribe did not entertain them. While they were in that state, the chief of that tribe was bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion). They said, (to the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), “Have you got any medicine with you or anybody who can treat with Ruqya?” The Prophet’s companions said, “You refuse to entertain us, so we will not treat (your chief) unless you pay us for it.” So they agreed to pay them a flock of sheep. One of them (the Prophet’s companions) started reciting Surat-al-Fatiha and gathering his saliva and spitting it (at the snake-bite). The patient got cured and his people presented the sheep to them, but they said, “We will not take it unless we ask the Prophet (whether it is lawful).” When they asked him, he smiled and said, “How do you know that Surat-al-Fatiha is a Ruqya? Take it (flock of sheep) and assign a share for me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5736)

Besides Surah-e-Fatiha, Ayat al-Kursi is also recommended for protection against all kinds of evil. In fact, the entire Surah-e-Baqara provides spiritual protection.

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Do not make your houses as graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surah Baqara is recited. (Sahih Muslim, 780)

Similarly, Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ, Al-Falaq, and An-Nās are extremely powerful verses that can be recited as prayers of healing.

According to a Hadith: “Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over it after reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas, Surat Al-Falaq, and Surat An-Nas, and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face and front of his body. He used to do that three times.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5017)

Give Regular Sadaqah For Spiritual Protection

Give Sadaqah to Avoid Calamities

While all these prayers help you or your loved ones heal, don’t forget the power of Sadaqah. According to a Hadith, it has the power to stand in the way of calamities.

“Ali reported God’s messenger as saying, “Give the sadaqa without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”*

Razln transmitted it.

* The idea is that it acts as a barrier beyond which calamity cannot pass.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, 1887)

Give Charity to Experience Spiritual Healing.

Why Give Donations to Transparent Hands

Whether you are healthy or facing illness, ensure you seek physical and spiritual protection; one way to do the latter is to give regular Sadaqah. Transparent Hands is a Shariah-compliant organization that works under the guidance of a learned Islamic scholar. You can donate your Zakat, Sadaqah, or other donations to us with confidence that your money will be spent on the welfare of needy patients, in accordance with Islamic recommendations.

Since our inception in 2014, we have helped thousands of needy patients receive medical care and free surgeries. Our Maternal and Child Health initiatives have benefited many young women and children. We have assisted with many surgeries, including cardiac and cardiothoracic procedures, orthopedic procedures, neurosurgery, ENT and cochlear implant procedures, gynecological and general procedures, and pediatric procedures. We also assist with oncology-related surgeries, diagnostic procedures such as MRI, CT scans, endoscopy, and medical treatments, including angioplasty, hepatitis therapies, and chemotherapy.

Organizing medical camps is one of our hallmark services. These camps are organized in low-income areas to facilitate underprivileged communities. Professional doctors and paramedics organize these medical camps in low-income areas. Our medical camps provide free medical checkups, medicines, and diagnostic tests. We manage all that, thanks to the support of our donors. Please keep sending us your donations so we can reach more deserving patients with our support. Keep reciting prayers for healing, and practically help us heal others by donating your Zakat and Sadaqah. Donate to Transparent Hands now!

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Reviewed by

Mufti M Zubair Nadeem

Shariah Consultant