Understanding Qur’anic Therapy and Ruqyah Syar’iyyah

Mohamad Hijazi
Jul 20
3 min read

Updated: Sep 22

The Essence of Qur’anic Therapy

Qur’anic Therapy is like the warm, reassuring hand of your mother on your back when you’re overwhelmed. It’s therapeutic, comforting, and uplifts the soul. It involves reflecting on the verses of the Qur’an, extracting emotional and psychological healing from them.

Practical Applications of Qur’anic Therapy

It can look like:

Listening to Surah Maryam after heartbreak.
Reciting Surah Al-Inshirah to cope with anxiety.
Journaling your thoughts with inspiration from Surah Al-Duha.

It’s gentle, personal, and often used to nurture the heart and mind. Some Islamic therapists incorporate this into trauma recovery, self-esteem building, or to reduce emotional dysregulation. All good – when kept within the bounds of Islam.

But here’s the catch – Qur’anic Therapy is not Ruqyah.

The Power of Ruqyah Syar’iyyah

Ruqyah Syar’iyyah is not just emotional healing. It’s a war strategy. A defense protocol. A targeted spiritual intervention rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. It is done with niyyah, specific verses, and ad’iyyah (du’as) to treat spiritual afflictions like:

Sihir (black magic)
Ain (evil eye)
Mas (jinn disturbances)
Waswas (whispers that go beyond psychology)

It is not about “feeling better”. It’s about striking the unseen enemy with divine fire – the kalam of Allah. It is precise, syar’ie, and can be self-administered (self-ruqyah) or done by a qualified raqi.

The Risks of Mixing the Two

In our well-meaning pursuit of healing, we sometimes blur the lines. And that’s where things can go wrong.

Some promote Qur’anic Therapy but sneak in manifestation practices, the law of attraction, or dubious affirmations.
Others call something ruqyah but add music, mantras, or mix it with energy healing.

This is not only misleading – it’s dangerous for your aqidah. Our healing must be pure, tawheed-centric, and authentic. When the Prophet ﷺ prescribed ruqyah, he did so with divine guidance, not from emotional guesswork or spiritual trends.

The Neuroscience Behind Qur’anic Healing

Science is catching up. Reciting the Qur’an can regulate the amygdala, increase parasympathetic nervous activity, and calm the heart (as shown in heart rate variability studies). Emotional Qur’anic reflection has benefits – that’s Qur’anic Therapy.

But Ruqyah Syar’iyyah is something else altogether. When a person is afflicted by jinn, sihr, or ain, you’re not just managing your nervous system. You’re confronting an unseen spiritual reality. That requires iman, tawakkul, and precision.

My Advice to You, as Your Brother and Trainer

If you’re emotionally struggling, by all means – turn to the Qur’an. Let it soothe you. Let it counsel you. Let it pull you out of despair. But if you suspect spiritual affliction – constant nightmares, unexplained fear, chronic blockages, or body reactions when hearing the Qur’an – you need Ruqyah Syar’iyyah, not just emotional therapy.

Don’t mix honey and poison. Don’t spiritualise trends and call it Sunnah. And don’t let confusion delay your healing.

Final Thoughts on Healing

At Ruqyabox.co, we’re here to guide you – not just to “feel better”, but to heal right. We believe in both science and Sunnah, both heart work and haqq.

So, let’s get this right. Qur’anic Therapy can inspire. Ruqyah Syar’iyyah can protect. Know what you need. Seek what is syar’ie. And always return to Allah as your ultimate Shafi (Healer).

Embracing the Journey of Healing

Healing is a journey, not a destination. It's essential to understand the tools available to you. Whether you choose Qur’anic Therapy for emotional support or Ruqyah Syar’iyyah for spiritual protection, make sure your approach aligns with your beliefs and practices.

The Importance of Community Support

Engaging with a community that understands these distinctions can be incredibly beneficial. Share your experiences, seek guidance, and support one another in your healing journeys.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

In conclusion, understanding the difference between Qur’anic Therapy and Ruqyah Syar’iyyah is crucial. Both have their place in our lives, but they serve different purposes. Equip yourself with knowledge, seek authentic practices, and always turn to Allah for guidance and healing.