Should women do ruqya?
Q0034: Should women do ruqya?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
This is a genuine question that is often asked by people who find and wonder why the field of ruqya monopolized by male practitioners.
This isn't anything to do with gender equality, superiority of one sex over the other or anything that our feminism-inclined sisters should get upset over. Rather it is something that when looked at with a clear, unbiased mind will make perfect sense.
I want you to imagine that a woman is out on her own at night. She got off the bus and notices a man who kept looking at her now get off at the same stop as her. She turns off the main road to take a short cut, but hears some footsteps of someone walking behind her on the empty street. She tries not to draw too much attention to herself but every step feels like a hammer echoing against the hard pavement. It's the same creepy man that was on the bus.
The quicker she walks the quicker the footsteps, when she crosses the road, so does this stranger. The road, the short cut, seems to go on forever and every dark alley she goes past her heart skips a beat, all sorts of thoughts goes through her head.
An average woman has naturally occurring vulnerabilities which are of no fault of her own. These vulnerabilities are only often exposed in situations such as the above.
Now imagine how much more dangerous the situation could be if the enemy was invisible and silent. Imagine had the ability to enter into the body and abuse her physically, psychologically and emotionally. Imagine it was a disgusting and filthy being that was hell-bent on destroying her home, children, marriage etc.
In a situation like this would she prefer to confront this enemy on her own or would she prefer her brother, father, husband or police to confront the enemy?
Does it make sense for her to confront the enemy knowing her physical weakness and vulnerability?
Ruqya is a form of jihad, physical and spiritual, against the shayateen. Traditionally he norm is that woman didn't take part in the physical fighting. The examples we come across in ahadith are the very rare exceptions.
The logic is very simple. It would be very foolish and naive for an average sister to confront the jinn and not expect repercussions. Even when brothers do ruqya the jinns do attack them directly but target the most vulnerable members of the family i.e. wife and kids.
I would advise the sister not to ruqya for anyone unless its for themselves or their immediate family- husband, children and siblings. Even then they should be of those who are strong willed and adhere to the protective duas especially using the times when they are not praying due to menses.
The general rule with regards to women doing ruqya for others is that they are really exposing themselves to unnecessary risk.
However with every rule there are exceptions. Although most women would feel vulnerable in the aforementioned situation of being followed by a stranger at night, not all women are average and not all women are vulnerable.
The exception in this case are women who are strong willed, strong minded and are trained or experienced in dealing with such situations. So they might be trained in martial arts, self-defense and are simply not intimidated by these situations.
Before going into more detail about the characteristic a sister, who wishes to do ruqya, should have, I want give some advise.
Firstly
Women who intend to go into the field of ruqya should be aware that they will be confronted with two broad types of reactions from jinns in patients-
The first reaction of jinn is most likely because it is trying to hide, is scared of you or other jinns in the room (that might kill it if it tries to leave the body) or simply doesn't want to leave. This is the case in majority of jinn possession scenarios.
The second reaction of jinn (most likely a male) is because it convinced it's self that 'just because he found the victim vulnerable and was able to possess the body- the body or person belongs to him'. Therefore displays extreme anger at anyone who is trying to forcefully evict him.
Secondly
Fear is a natural human reaction in both men and women. In the two types of reactions mentioned above the second is obviously more scary than the first . Being scared of a perceived danger has nothing to do with being weak or strong.
This isn't anything to do with gender equality, superiority of one sex over the other or anything that our feminism-inclined sisters should get upset over. Rather it is something that when looked at with a clear, unbiased mind will make perfect sense.
I want you to imagine that a woman is out on her own at night. She got off the bus and notices a man who kept looking at her now get off at the same stop as her. She turns off the main road to take a short cut, but hears some footsteps of someone walking behind her on the empty street. She tries not to draw too much attention to herself but every step feels like a hammer echoing against the hard pavement. It's the same creepy man that was on the bus.
The quicker she walks the quicker the footsteps, when she crosses the road, so does this stranger. The road, the short cut, seems to go on forever and every dark alley she goes past her heart skips a beat, all sorts of thoughts goes through her head.
An average woman has naturally occurring vulnerabilities which are of no fault of her own. These vulnerabilities are only often exposed in situations such as the above.
Now imagine how much more dangerous the situation could be if the enemy was invisible and silent. Imagine had the ability to enter into the body and abuse her physically, psychologically and emotionally. Imagine it was a disgusting and filthy being that was hell-bent on destroying her home, children, marriage etc.
In a situation like this would she prefer to confront this enemy on her own or would she prefer her brother, father, husband or police to confront the enemy?
Does it make sense for her to confront the enemy knowing her physical weakness and vulnerability?
Ruqya is a form of jihad, physical and spiritual, against the shayateen. Traditionally he norm is that woman didn't take part in the physical fighting. The examples we come across in ahadith are the very rare exceptions.
The logic is very simple. It would be very foolish and naive for an average sister to confront the jinn and not expect repercussions. Even when brothers do ruqya the jinns do attack them directly but target the most vulnerable members of the family i.e. wife and kids.
I would advise the sister not to ruqya for anyone unless its for themselves or their immediate family- husband, children and siblings. Even then they should be of those who are strong willed and adhere to the protective duas especially using the times when they are not praying due to menses.
The general rule with regards to women doing ruqya for others is that they are really exposing themselves to unnecessary risk.
However with every rule there are exceptions. Although most women would feel vulnerable in the aforementioned situation of being followed by a stranger at night, not all women are average and not all women are vulnerable.
The exception in this case are women who are strong willed, strong minded and are trained or experienced in dealing with such situations. So they might be trained in martial arts, self-defense and are simply not intimidated by these situations.
Before going into more detail about the characteristic a sister, who wishes to do ruqya, should have, I want give some advise.
Firstly
Women who intend to go into the field of ruqya should be aware that they will be confronted with two broad types of reactions from jinns in patients-
- The jinn that reacts in a subtle, passive or non-violent way.
- The jinn that reacts in an aggressive, forceful way.
The first reaction of jinn is most likely because it is trying to hide, is scared of you or other jinns in the room (that might kill it if it tries to leave the body) or simply doesn't want to leave. This is the case in majority of jinn possession scenarios.
The second reaction of jinn (most likely a male) is because it convinced it's self that 'just because he found the victim vulnerable and was able to possess the body- the body or person belongs to him'. Therefore displays extreme anger at anyone who is trying to forcefully evict him.
Secondly
Fear is a natural human reaction in both men and women. In the two types of reactions mentioned above the second is obviously more scary than the first . Being scared of a perceived danger has nothing to do with being weak or strong.
"So Moses conceived a fear in himself. We (Allah) said: "Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand."
[Surah TaHa 20:67-68]
Even though Musa (as) felt fear of the illusion of snakes (caused by the magicians) he stood his ground because he was on the truth. He could not intrinsically protect himself, rather he submitted himself into the protection of Allah.
Similarly when we say "Au'zubillahi minash shaytanir rajeem" it doesn't mean 'I seek refuge in Allah' it actually means
'I have submitted myself into the protection of Allah' the difference is that you are not seeking but have acknowledged that you cannot intrinsically protect yourself from the invisible enemy rather we need to submit ourselves to the Only One who can protect us- Allah (azza-wa-jall).
Rather real strength is to be able to stand your ground despite the fear you feel.
To summarize the above two points- you will meet jinns that are both passive and aggressive and in both cases when you submit yourself into Allah's protection you cannot be harmed. Allah is the Friend (Wali) and Protective Guardian (Maula) of the believers, men and woman, while the shayateen have no protectors.
Similarly when we say "Au'zubillahi minash shaytanir rajeem" it doesn't mean 'I seek refuge in Allah' it actually means
'I have submitted myself into the protection of Allah' the difference is that you are not seeking but have acknowledged that you cannot intrinsically protect yourself from the invisible enemy rather we need to submit ourselves to the Only One who can protect us- Allah (azza-wa-jall).
Rather real strength is to be able to stand your ground despite the fear you feel.
To summarize the above two points- you will meet jinns that are both passive and aggressive and in both cases when you submit yourself into Allah's protection you cannot be harmed. Allah is the Friend (Wali) and Protective Guardian (Maula) of the believers, men and woman, while the shayateen have no protectors.
Characteristics of a Female Raqi
These are some of the qualities a woman should have or at least develop before doing ruqya for others. To do ruqya you for others must conquer the shaytan inside you.
1. She should adhere to all the rules of Islam and have entered Islam completely.
This is the first and foremost characteristic. If this is not the case then everything else doesn't matter. She must avoid sins both major and minor, as much as possible and make taubah often. She should not take for granted, things like wearing perfume outside the home, plucking eye brows, wearing brightly colored clothes or heels that attract the attention of men. Backbiting, gossiping, envy, lying and wasting time. Sins remove the protection of Allah and the angels from a person.
2. She should be in wudu and do protect herself, her home and children.
A raqi, be he male or female must try to be in wudu as much as possible. She must always protect herself, her home, her kids every single day. This is something we should be doing anyway but with more vigilance for the one who is involved in ruqya.
How do I protect myself from jinn and magic?
How should we protect our children?
How do I protect my home from jinn?
3. She should be someone who is naturally inclined towards worshiping Allah
This means that she is someone who doesn't struggle to worship Allah. She doesn't swing backwards and forwards. Two or three weeks she is really good and the following week her eman is week and is sinning. She doesn't get thoughts such as 'What's the point of trying to be good, sooner of later I'll fall into sin and become weak.'
If she makes no attempt to wake up for tahajjud on the odd occasions rather she struggles to wake up for Fajr salah every morning despite sleeping early, doesn't pray with khushu most of the time, doesn't have time to read Qur'an specifically 2-3 hours to read Surah Baqarah every 3 days, does not make dhikr of Allah often (while cooking, cleaning, driving) these are all signs that she should avoid this field.
All of the above might seem too cumbersome but they are very important in protecting yourself, your home and your family.
4. She should be involved with dawah or other activities that keep her eman high.
There is no doubt about it that this Ummah is in need of more genuine raqis. The need is even more so for female raqis as majority of the people who are affected are women. I ask Allah to support, bless and protect any sister who treads on this noble path.
Allah Knows Best
Peace and blessings be upon the final messenger Muhammed (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) his family, companions and everyone who follow him in righteousness.
Kamal
Former Raqi
1. She should adhere to all the rules of Islam and have entered Islam completely.
This is the first and foremost characteristic. If this is not the case then everything else doesn't matter. She must avoid sins both major and minor, as much as possible and make taubah often. She should not take for granted, things like wearing perfume outside the home, plucking eye brows, wearing brightly colored clothes or heels that attract the attention of men. Backbiting, gossiping, envy, lying and wasting time. Sins remove the protection of Allah and the angels from a person.
2. She should be in wudu and do protect herself, her home and children.
A raqi, be he male or female must try to be in wudu as much as possible. She must always protect herself, her home, her kids every single day. This is something we should be doing anyway but with more vigilance for the one who is involved in ruqya.
How do I protect myself from jinn and magic?
How should we protect our children?
How do I protect my home from jinn?
3. She should be someone who is naturally inclined towards worshiping Allah
This means that she is someone who doesn't struggle to worship Allah. She doesn't swing backwards and forwards. Two or three weeks she is really good and the following week her eman is week and is sinning. She doesn't get thoughts such as 'What's the point of trying to be good, sooner of later I'll fall into sin and become weak.'
If she makes no attempt to wake up for tahajjud on the odd occasions rather she struggles to wake up for Fajr salah every morning despite sleeping early, doesn't pray with khushu most of the time, doesn't have time to read Qur'an specifically 2-3 hours to read Surah Baqarah every 3 days, does not make dhikr of Allah often (while cooking, cleaning, driving) these are all signs that she should avoid this field.
All of the above might seem too cumbersome but they are very important in protecting yourself, your home and your family.
4. She should be involved with dawah or other activities that keep her eman high.
There is no doubt about it that this Ummah is in need of more genuine raqis. The need is even more so for female raqis as majority of the people who are affected are women. I ask Allah to support, bless and protect any sister who treads on this noble path.
Allah Knows Best
Peace and blessings be upon the final messenger Muhammed (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) his family, companions and everyone who follow him in righteousness.
Kamal
Former Raqi