Can you perform ruqya on people who are not with you?


Can you do ruqya only in close proximity or for people far away?
This is appoint of discussion among scholars, as there is no clear evidence on this from the sunnah.
Do you need to imagine the person or can you just say their name? It does not matter either way, as the core of ruqya is your intention.
If you want someone who is not near to have shifa, you can say the ruqya and also the ayahs of shifa if you want, and ask a Allah to cure them.
Can you extend someone’s life through your dua?
Our lifespans have been written before our birth. This is clear from the famous hadith in which our provisions in life (rizq), lifespan (ajl), actions and final destination were recorded before our birth.
`Abdullah bin Mus’ud narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be on him) said:
(The matter of the Creation of) a human being is put together in the womb of the mother in forty days, and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period, and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to write four things. He is ordered to write down his (i.e. the new creature’s) deeds, his livelihood, his (date of) death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into him. So, a man amongst you may do (good deeds till there is only a cubit between him and Paradise and then what has been written for him decides his behaviour and he starts doing (evil) deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire. And similarly a man amongst you may do (evil) deeds till there is only a cubit between him and the (Hell) Fire, and then what has been written for him decides his behaviour, and he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise. (Bukhari)
Why is it then that when someone is very ill, many people make dua, perhaps make dua often during blessed times and places, and the sick person recovers?
We have no idea how Allah Almighty works. With or without dua, Allah Almighty has already written our final lifespans and He does not change the final destiny which has been written. However, He knew that people would make dua for that person, and accordingly that that person would get better.
Dua and maintaining family relationships can increase your lifespan in the books of the angels
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said:
He who desires ample provisions and his life be prolonged, should maintain good ties with his blood relations. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Lifespan can be prolonged or shortened in the books of the angels. For instance it may be that someone’s age was 60 in the books of the angels but due to their maintaining good relationships with their family, their lifespan was increased to 70.
Shaykh Haytham Tamim – Tafseer Class 3rd March 2021
Related Posts
- Reflecting on the very first khutbah
- Reflections on Surah Qaf
- Battley and Breaking the Limits of Allah
- Time passing quickly – a sign of the Day of Judgment
- Twinkle twinkle little star… just one of the favours from Allah
Jazakumullahu khayran for spending time learning with us. We need your support to enable us to reach more people and spread authentic knowledge. Every contribution big or small is valuable to our future.
‘If anyone calls others to follow right guidance, his reward will be equivalent to those who follow him (in righteousness) without their reward being diminished in any respect.’ (Muslim)
Help us promote a better understanding of Islam’s beautiful message of balance, moderation and tolerance.
Your support will help us make sacred knowledge accessible and empower people to improve themselves and their lives.
Recommended Posts

Can you perform ruqya on people who are not with you?
March 03, 2021

How many rakahs should I pray for Tarawih?
February 22, 2021

How do you perform the witr prayer?
February 21, 2021