Ruqyah

Q 2: We also ask about the lawful Ruqyah (reciting Qur'an and saying supplications over the sick seeking healing). Is it permissible to recite a specific number of Ayahs for each case such as reciting such and such Ayah 2001 times and the like?

A: The legal Ruqyah is the one that is taken from the Qur'an and the legal supplications. As for specifying a number of times to recite the Ayah or supplication, this requires proof. However, we do not know of any legal proof in support of this issue. Indeed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) only used to repeat his supplications three times in some cases. It is reported on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) wanted to go to sleep, he used to put his hands together, blow in them, and recite Surah Al-Ikhlas (no. 112), Al-Falaq (no. 113), and Al-Nas (no. 114). (Part No. 1; Page No. 210) He then would rub with them every spot of his body he could reach. He used to do this three time beginning with his head, face, and the front of his body.