Some of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) went on a journey. They alighted with a certain clan of the Arabs. Someone of them said : Our chief has been stung by a scorpion or bitten by a snake. Has any of you something which gives relief to our chief? A man of the people said : Yes, I swear by Allah. I shall apply charm ; but we asked you for hospitality and you denied it to us. I shall not apply charm until you give me some payment. So they promised to give some sheep to him. He came to him and recited Surat al-Fatihah over him and spat till he was cured, and ha seemed as if he were set free from a bond. So they gave him the payment that was agreed between them. They said : Apportion them. The man who applied charm said : Do not do it until we approach the Apostle of allah (ﷺ) said: From where did you learn that it was a charm ? you have done right. Apportion them, and give me a share along with you.
Hadith Commentary: The Permissibility of Ruqyah
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 3900 establishes the permissibility of using Qur'anic recitation (ruqyah) as a legitimate form of treatment, provided certain conditions are met. The Prophet's approval of this practice demonstrates that spiritual remedies are complementary to physical medicine in Islamic tradition.
Legal Analysis of Compensation
The scholars derive from this hadith that accepting payment for ruqyah using Qur'anic verses is permissible when the treatment proves effective. The Companions' hesitation and subsequent consultation with the Prophet ﷺ shows the importance of verifying religious practices through proper channels.
The Prophet's statement "you have done right" indicates the validity of this transaction when the ruqyah employs permissible means - specifically the recitation of Allah's words rather than forbidden incantations or shirk.
Medical and Spiritual Dimensions
This incident illustrates the holistic Islamic approach to medicine found in Kitab Al-Tibb. The healing power of Surah Al-Fatihah demonstrates that spiritual remedies have tangible effects, with the description "as if set free from a bond" indicating complete recovery.
The combination of recitation and spitting reflects the comprehensive nature of prophetic medicine, where spiritual means work alongside physical manifestations to produce healing.
Ethical Considerations
The initial refusal to treat without payment highlights the permissibility of professionals receiving fair compensation for their services. However, scholars caution that this should not prevent emergency treatment for those unable to pay.
The Prophet's request for a share emphasizes the communal aspect of earnings and the importance of including religious authorities in community affairs, even in commercial matters.