Some of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) passed by some people staying at a place where there was water, and one of those people had been stung by a scorpion. A man from those staying near the water, came and said to the companions of the Prophet, "Is there anyone among you who can do Ruqya as near the water there is a person who has been stung by a scorpion." So one of the Prophet's companions went to him and recited Surat-al-Fatiha for a sheep as his fees. The patient got cured and the man brought the sheep to his companions who disliked that and said, "You have taken wages for reciting Allah's Book." When they arrived at Medina, they said, ' O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! (This person) has taken wages for reciting Allah's Book" On that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "You are most entitled to take wages for doing a Ruqya with Allah's Book."
Hadith Commentary: Permissibility of Accepting Compensation for Ruqya
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari establishes the Islamic legal position regarding accepting compensation for performing ruqya (healing through Quranic recitation). The companions initially objected based on their understanding that accepting payment for reciting Allah's Book might be improper.
Legal Analysis and Scholarly Interpretation
The Prophet's definitive ruling "You are most entitled to take wages" demonstrates that compensation for services rendered - even those involving Quranic recitation - is permissible when the primary intention is healing rather than commercializing the Quran itself.
Scholars explain this establishes that skilled services, including religious services like ruqya, may be compensated provided the service is legitimate and the compensation is reasonable. This reflects Islam's balanced approach to spiritual and worldly matters.
Practical Applications in Islamic Jurisprudence
This hadith forms the basis for permitting Muslim healers, doctors, and religious scholars to receive fair compensation for their services. The key condition is that the ruqya must comply with Shariah - using only Quranic verses or authentic supplications without shirk or innovation.
Modern applications extend to Muslim healthcare professionals, teachers of Quran, and religious counselors who may rightfully earn livelihood through their specialized knowledge while serving the community.