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."
Exposition of Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari
This narration from the Book of Medicine in Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 5736) demonstrates several profound Islamic legal and spiritual principles through a practical incident from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Permissibility of Seeking Reward for Ruqya
The companions initially refused treatment until compensation was agreed upon, indicating the permissibility of charging for spiritual healing services when performed with legitimate Qur'anic recitation.
The Prophet's approval of their taking the flock of sheep confirms this ruling, though he cautioned against making the Qur'an a means of worldly gain without proper intention.
The Efficacy of Surat al-Fatiha as Ruqya
The Prophet's rhetorical question "How do you know that Surat-al-Fatiha is a Ruqya?" affirms the chapter's special status as a cure. This establishes that specific Qur'anic chapters possess healing properties when recited with sincerity and proper belief in Allah's power.
The method of reciting while gathering saliva demonstrates that the blessing (barakah) of Qur'anic recitation can extend to physical substances, which then become means of healing.
The Prophet's Smile and Share
The Prophet's smile indicates his pleasure at their caution in seeking religious guidance before consuming doubtful earnings, teaching the importance of verifying religious matters with proper authorities.
His request for a share establishes his right to portions from lawful earnings of his companions and reinforces communal sharing of blessings.
Legal and Spiritual Lessons
This hadith establishes the legitimacy of ruqya with Qur'anic verses, the permissibility of compensation for spiritual services, the importance of verifying doubtful matters with scholars, and the recognition of specific Qur'anic chapters as having healing properties when recited with proper faith and intention.