Is it permissible for the raaqi to touch the woman for whom he is reciting ruqyah?

Question 1029

As you know, many people are suffering from diseases for which they cannot find medical treatment, so they turn to the Book of Allaah and the scholars and some pious and righteous people who have memorized the Book of Allaah, so that they can recite ruqyah as prescribed by sharee’ah to treat them. The site of women’s pain may be in their heads, chests, arms or legs – is it permissible for them to uncover these places so that they may be read over in cases of necessity? What are the limits within which women may uncover when Qur’aan is read over them for this purpose?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

It is Sunnah to learn ruqyah as prescribed in sharee’ah, seeking to benefit the Muslims and treat these chronic diseases, because the Book of Allaah is a beneficial healing. But it is not permissible for a non-mahram man to touch any part of a woman’s body when doing ruqyah, and it is not permissible for her to uncover any part of her body such as her chest, neck, etc. He should recite over her even if she is covered, and this will be of benefit no matter where the pain is. It is also Sunnah for some of the sisters who can read Qur’aan to be taught how to do ruqyah so that they can use it to help modest women. And Allaah knows best.

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Is it permissible for the raaqi to touch the woman for whom he is reciting ruqyah?

Question 1029

Answer