Whenever Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) became sick, he would recite Mu'awwidhat (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An- Nas) and then blow his breath over his body. When he became seriously ill, I used to recite (these two Suras) and rub his hands over his body hoping for its blessings.
Virtues of the Qur'an - Sahih al-Bukhari 5016
This narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) demonstrates the Prophet's practice of seeking healing through Qur'anic recitation, specifically the Mu'awwidhat (the two chapters of refuge).
Scholarly Commentary
The Mu'awwidhat (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) are divinely prescribed protections against physical and spiritual ailments. The Prophet's blowing after recitation signifies the transfer of Qur'anic blessings through breath, combining spiritual invocation with physical action.
Aisha's imitation of this practice during the Prophet's severe illness shows the permissibility of seeking cure through Qur'an for others, particularly using the hands as a medium for blessings - demonstrating both the efficacy of these surahs and the importance of following prophetic example in treatment.
Legal Rulings Derived
Reciting Qur'an for healing (ruqya) is legislated, especially using the Mu'awwidhat. The permissibility of blowing after recitation. The validity of seeking blessings through physical contact with a righteous person's hands. That women may perform ruqya for men within proper guidelines of mahram relations.