Some of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) went on a journey till they reached some of the 'Arab tribes (at night). They asked the latter to treat them as their guests but they refused. The chief of that tribe was then bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion) and they tried their best to cure him but in vain. Some of them said (to the others), "Nothing has benefited him, will you go to the people who resided here at night, it may be that some of them might possess something (as treatment)," They went to the group of the companions (of the Prophet (ﷺ) ) and said, "Our chief has been bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion) and we have tried everything but he has not benefited. Have you got anything (useful)?" One of them replied, "Yes, by Allah! I can recite a Ruqya, but as you have refused to accept us as your guests, I will not recite the Ruqya for you unless you fix for us some wages for it." They agrees to pay them a flock of sheep. One of them then went and recited (Surat-ul-Fatiha): 'All the praises are for the Lord of the Worlds' and puffed over the chief who became all right as if he was released from a chain, and got up and started walking, showing no signs of sickness. They paid them what they agreed to pay. Some of them (i.e. the companions) then suggested to divide their earnings among themselves, but the one who performed the recitation said, "Do not divide them till we go to the Prophet (ﷺ) and narrate the whole story to him, and wait for his order." So, they went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and narrated the story. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, "How did you come to know that Suratul- Fatiha was recited as Ruqya?" Then he added, "You have done the right thing. Divide (what you have earned) and assign a share for me as well." The Prophet (ﷺ) smiled thereupon.
The Incident of Ruqya with Al-Fatihah
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (2276) demonstrates the permissibility of using Qur'anic recitation for healing and accepting compensation for such services, provided the intention is pure and the method is Islamically sound.
Scholarly Commentary on the Narration
The companions' initial refusal to provide ruqya without compensation was not due to greed, but to establish the value of Islamic knowledge and counter the tribe's initial inhospitality.
Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah as ruqya is permissible as it contains comprehensive praise of Allah and seeks His guidance - making it a powerful spiritual remedy when recited with sincerity.
The Prophet's (ﷺ) question "How did you know Al-Fatihah could be used as ruqya?" indicates the importance of proper knowledge in religious practices, not mere imitation.
The Prophet's (ﷺ) approval and request for a share demonstrates the legitimacy of earning through lawful means using Qur'anic knowledge, provided it doesn't involve superstition or shirk.
Legal Rulings Derived
Ruqya with Qur'anic verses and authentic supplications is permissible and encouraged in Islam.
Accepting payment for ruqya is lawful when the practitioner relies solely on Qur'an and Sunnah, avoiding prohibited elements.
Seeking expert opinion in religious matters, as the companions did by consulting the Prophet (ﷺ), is a fundamental Islamic principle.
The Prophet's smile indicates his pleasure at their cautious approach and proper implementation of Islamic teachings.