Q: Upon performing the Ruqyah (reciting Qur'an and saying supplications over the sick seeking healing), is it permissible for the person who does it to put his hand on the patient, (Part No. 1; Page No. 86) while playing a cassette tape containing Qur'an, as there are four tapes in the market that contain supplications and certain Surahs for healing by the Qur'an and warding off envy and the like?

A: The general rule is that the person who carries out the Ruqyah should recite the Qur'an himself and should blow his breath over the patient with his own saliva. Doing so is reported in the Sahih (authentic) book of Hadith on the authority of Abu Sa`id Al-Khudry (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, Some of the Sahabah (Companions) of the Prophet (peace be upon him) came across an Arab tribe, 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 Sahabah of the Prophet (peace be upon him)), "Have you got any medicine with you or is there anybody who can treat with Ruqyah?" The Prophet's Sahabah 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 Sahabah) started reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and gathering his saliva and spitting it (at the snake-bite). The patient was cured and his people presented the sheep to them, but they said, "We will not take them unless we ask the Prophet (peace be upon him) (whether it is lawful)." When they asked him, he smiled and said, "How did you know that Surah Al-Fatihah is a Ruqyah? Take it (flock of sheep) and assign a share for me." It is also reported in a Hadith narrated by `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): Whenever Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) became sick, he would recite Al-Mu`awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-Nas) and then blow his breath (while reciting). When he became seriously ill, I used to recite (these two Surahs) and rub his hands over his body hoping for their blessings. Furthermore, there are certain attributes that should be present in the person who does the Ruqyah, and upon which Allah (Exalted be He) may cause the patient to be healed.Consequently, using the recorded tapes of Qur'an contradicts the basic Shar`y (Islamically lawful) rule, because this is a newly-invented matter that is not legally permissible. (Part No. 1; Page No. 87) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.