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The Importance of Ethical Ruqyah Practice
As demand for Ruqyah Shari’ah grows, so does the responsibility on practitioners to act ethically, professionally, and in accordance with Islam. Ruqyah is not just spiritual healing—it is a religious responsibility, and its misuse can cause serious harm, exploitation, or even fitnah in the community.
The following guidelines are issued by AIMS to set a clear standard for all individuals and organisations offering Ruqyah. This includes independent practitioners and community centres. AIMS calls for all Ruqyah providers to uphold the highest standards of Islamic ethics, safeguarding, and professionalism.
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Strict adherence to Qur’an and Sunnah:
All Ruqyah performed must be based on clear guidance from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith. Personal opinions, cultural rituals, or unverifiable methods are not permitted. The use of fabricated duas or unknown invocations is not acceptable.
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Avoidance of shirk, innovation, and superstition:
Under no circumstances should a practitioner use amulets (*taweez*), invoke jinn, communicate with spirits, or use numerology, magic squares, or divination. These actions constitute major sin and invalidate the legitimacy of the Ruqyah.
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Piety and religious conduct:
Practitioners must be individuals of sound aqeedah (creed), regular in prayer, and known for their taqwa, humility, and sincerity. Ruqyah should not be used as a tool for ego, profit, or manipulation.
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No Khalwah (seclusion):
A male practitioner must never be alone with a female client in a private or enclosed space. A mahram (male guardian) or another adult female should be present at all times. This protects both parties from suspicion, temptation, and potential harm.
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Absolutely no physical contact:
Male practitioners must not touch female clients during Ruqyah or any other spiritual practice, even indirectly. Actions such as placing hands on the head or shoulders are prohibited. Healing must be conducted through recitation only, without any form of physical contact.
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Transparent and accountable environment:
Sessions should take place in locations with open doors, visible windows, or some form of supervision. Using private homes or hidden spaces without witnesses is strongly discouraged. The setting should reflect the integrity, openness, and trust expected in Islamic spiritual care.
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Clear explanation before treatment:
The practitioner must explain what Ruqyah involves, including how it will be conducted, the expected outcomes, and limitations. Clients must not be pressured or frightened into accepting services.
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Voluntary participation and right to withdraw:
The client has the right to stop treatment at any point. Consent must be ongoing, not one-time.
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Avoid making unrealistic claims:
Practitioners must not guarantee results such as "cure in three days" or “complete removal of jinn." Such promises are not only un-Islamic but also deceptive.
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Halal and safe:
All herbs, oils, and treatments provided must be halal, sourced ethically, and free of prohibited substances. Labelling must be clear and accurate.
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Evidence-based and traceable:
Practitioners must use products that have proven benefits in traditional Islamic or natural medicine. Products must not be sold purely for financial gain.
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Understand limits of expertise:
Ruqyah is not a substitute for medical or psychological care. If symptoms suggest physical illness or mental health conditions, the client must be referred to a GP, psychologist, or qualified professional.
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Maintain referral networks:
AIMS encourages all practitioners to maintain a list of trustworthy professionals and Imams for multidisciplinary care and collaborative treatment.
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Islamic education in Ruqyah:
Practitioners must be trained in the jurisprudence (Fiqh) and spiritual dimensions of Ruqyah. A sound understanding of Tawheed, shirk, ruqyah texts, and safeguarding are essential.
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Counselling and mental health awareness:
Basic training in active listening, trauma-informed care, and mental health is vital to avoid harm or misjudging a client’s situation.
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Complementary certifications (optional):
For those who provide hijamah or herbal medicine, relevant training and certification must be completed with safety protocols followed.
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Transparent and fair pricing:
Clients must know the cost in advance. Practitioners must never take advantage of a client's desperation or spiritual vulnerability to demand high fees.
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Free or subsidised services encouraged:
Where possible, services should be made available to the financially vulnerable through donation, waqf, or zakat models.
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No sale of “blessed” items:
Charging extra for “blessed water,” “special oils,” or “prophetic secrets” without basis in Qur’an and Sunnah is deceptive and unethical.
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Complaint procedures must be in place:
Clients must have a way to report misconduct, and those complaints must be taken seriously with transparency.
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Self-review and feedback:
Practitioners should regularly review their conduct and service through feedback forms, consultations, or supervisory audits.
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Open to advice and correction:
Practitioners should consult scholars, specialists, and ethical bodies like AIMS if there are uncertainties or ethical dilemmas.
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Credibility and Community Trust:
Registered practitioners are recognised as adhering to AIMS ethical and Islamic standards, building community confidence and legitimacy.
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Support and Training:
AIMS provides access to continued education, specialist training, and CPD opportunities to raise practitioner standards.
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Referral Network Inclusion:
Registered providers may be referred clients by mosques, counsellors, and health bodies working with AIMS.
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Complaint Handling and Oversight:
AIMS investigates complaints and offers mediation or corrective advice to ensure practitioners stay within ethical bounds.
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All Ruqyah providers are strongly encouraged to register with AIMS to demonstrate their commitment to excellence, transparency, and Islamic integrity
To register with AIMS, contact our accreditation team via:
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Educate service users about their rights:
Clients must be informed about what Ruqyah is, what to expect, and how to identify red flags.
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Public resources and seminars:
AIMS regularly runs workshops, online sessions, and printed materials to educate the community and combat harmful or superstitious practices.
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Final Message to Practitioners:
Ruqyah is a trust (*amanah*) between you and your client—and ultimately between you and Allah. Misusing this trust leads to both worldly and spiritual consequences. AIMS urges all providers to constantly renew their intention, act with sincerity, and seek both religious knowledge and professional development
The above guidelines are in addition to the AIMS Ethical Framework, which can be found here
AIMS Membership
Members of AIMS are bound by our Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and our Professional Conduct Procedure. You must read and agree to these as part of your application process. You should also read our membership policies.
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