A group of the companions of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) proceeded on a journey till they dismounted near one of the Arab tribes and requested them to entertain them as their guests, but they (the tribe people) refused to entertain them. Then the chief of that tribe was bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion) and he was given all sorts of treatment, but all in vain. Some of them said, "Will you go to the group (those travelers) who have dismounted near you and see if one of them has something useful?" They came to them and said, "O the group! Our leader has been bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion) and we have treated him with everything but nothing benefited him Has anyone of you anything useful?" One of them replied, "Yes, by Allah, I know how to treat with a Ruqya. But. by Allah, we wanted you to receive us as your guests but you refused. I will not treat your patient with a Ruqya till you fix for us something as wages." Consequently they agreed to give those travellers a flock of sheep. The man went with them (the people of the tribe) and started spitting (on the bite) and reciting Surat-al-Fatiha till the patient was healed and started walking as if he had not been sick. When the tribe people paid them their wages they had agreed upon, some of them (the Prophet's companions) said, "Distribute (the sheep)." But the one who treated with the Ruqya said, "Do not do that till we go to Allah's Apostle and mention to him what has happened, and see what he will order us." So they came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and mentioned the story to him and he said, "How do you know that Surat-al-Fatiha is a Ruqya? You have done the right thing. Divide (what you have got) and assign for me a share with you."
Exposition of Hadith from Medicine of Sahih al-Bukhari 5749
This narration from the Medicine chapter of Sahih al-Bukhari contains profound wisdom regarding the permissibility of accepting compensation for Quranic recitation and ruqya (spiritual healing). The companions' initial hesitation demonstrates their scrupulousness in matters of religion, while the Prophet's approval establishes the legitimacy of such compensation when properly intended.
Legal Rulings Derived
The permissibility of using Surah al-Fatihah as ruqya is explicitly affirmed by the Prophet's statement: "How do you know that Surat-al-Fatiha is a Ruqya?" This establishes Quranic recitation as a legitimate form of treatment.
Accepting payment for teaching Quran or performing ruqya is permissible when the intention is pure and the compensation is mutually agreed upon, as evidenced by the Prophet's approval of the sheep as wages.
The Prophet's request for a share in the compensation demonstrates that such earnings are pure and lawful, worthy even for the Messenger of Allah to partake in.
Spiritual Insights
The efficacy of Surah al-Fatihah lies not merely in its recitation but in the faith and sincerity of the reciter. The companion's certainty in its healing power reflects deep iman.
The incident illustrates the importance of consulting knowledgeable scholars in matters of religious practice, as the companions did by referring the matter to the Prophet despite their initial agreement.
This narration beautifully demonstrates the balance between trusting in divine cure and utilizing permissible means, between spiritual reliance and practical action.