Shari’ah Methods for Removing the Evil Eye (Nazar)
Many people who are skilled in certain tasks, or are good-looking, or blessed with some form of bounty, sometimes fall prey to the evil eye (nazar). It is often observed that children are more susceptible to it than adults. The reality of the evil eye cannot be denied, as it is proven both sensually and through religious texts. Allah says in the Qur’an:
وَإِن يَكَادُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَيُزِلِقُونَكَ بِأَبصَٰرِهِم (القلم: 51)
Translation: “And indeed, those who disbelieve almost make you slip with their eyes (i.e., with the evil eye).”
Ibn Abbas (RA) and other scholars have interpreted this verse as referring to the harmful effect of the evil eye. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“العين حقٌّ ولو كان شيءٌ سابق القدر سبقته العين، وإذا استغسلتم فاغسلوا”
(Sahih Muslim: 5831)
Translation: “The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overcome destiny, it would be the evil eye. And if you are asked to perform a cleansing (ghusl), then do so.”
After a person is affected by the evil eye, many people resort to superstitious and non-Islamic practices, such as burning black pepper, tying a black thread, or hanging amulets. These practices are not from the teachings of Islam, and it is wrong to visit un-Islamic or professional “healers” for this purpose. Instead, you can perform Shari’ah-compliant methods yourself to remove the evil eye.
Steps to Remove the Evil Eye:
1. Medical and Psychological Assessment:
It is important to first rule out whether the person is genuinely affected by the evil eye or if the problem is due to a medical or psychological issue. Often, people think they are affected by the evil eye when, in fact, it is just a form of anxiety or imagination. If medical treatment is needed, consult a doctor. However, if you are certain that the evil eye is the cause, you can proceed with the following methods.
2. Washing with Water from the One Who Cast the Eye:
If you know who has cast the evil eye or if the person affected by it knows, then ask the one who cast the evil eye to perform wudu (ablution), especially washing the lower part of their body (from the waist down). The water that touches their body, which will have been washed, should be collected in a container. This water should then be poured over the affected person, starting from the back of their head and over their entire body. By Allah’s will, this will remove the effect of the evil eye.
3. Performing Ruqyah (Spiritual Healing):
Another effective method is to perform ruqyah (spiritual healing) on the person affected by the evil eye. You can recite the Mu’awwidhat (Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas) and blow over the affected person before they sleep. The entire Qur’an is a source of healing, so you can recite any part of it to perform ruqyah. You may also include supplications (duas) and remembrances (adhkar) that are proven from the Sunnah.
The Prophet ﷺ himself used to perform ruqyah for those who were affected by the evil eye. For example, Aisha (RA) narrated:
“أَمَرَ أَنْ يُسْتَرْقَىٰ مِنَ الْعَيْنِ” (Sahih Bukhari: 5738)
Translation: “The Prophet ﷺ ordered me to perform ruqyah (spiritual healing) for the one who was affected by the evil eye.”
Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ used to perform ruqyah for his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn (RA), and would say:
“أُعِيذُكُمَا بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ”
(Jami’ at-Tirmidhi: 2060, Sahih al-Albani)
Translation: “I seek refuge for you both in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, harmful creature, and from every envious eye.”
Also, in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated that Jibril (AS) came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:
“بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ أَرْقِيكَ، مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ يُؤْذِيكَ، مِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ نَفْسٍ أَوْ عَيْنِ حَاسِدٍ، اللَّهُ يَشْفِيكَ”
(Sahih Muslim: 2186)
Translation: “In the name of Allah, I perform ruqyah upon you, from everything that harms you, from the evil of every soul and every envious eye. May Allah cure you.”
4. Avoiding Specific Surahs or Verses in Fixed Numbers:
It is incorrect to specify certain surahs or verses, or to determine a fixed number of recitations, for ruqyah. You can recite any part of the Qur’an and blow over the person, or recite the supplications that the Prophet ﷺ taught. This method is comprehensive and sufficient.
5. Ongoing Protection from the Evil Eye and Jinn:
To protect yourself from the evil eye, continue performing regular prayers (salah), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and recitation of the Qur’an. When you observe something good, say “Masha Allah” and make a supplication for blessings to prevent the evil eye from affecting it. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When anyone sees something good in himself, his wealth, or his brother, let him ask for blessings, because the evil eye is real.”
(Sahih al-Jami: 556, Al-Kalim at-Tayyib, p. 243)
In conclusion, relying on the Shari’ah methods of ruqyah, maintaining regular supplications, and seeking Allah’s protection is the best way to shield yourself from the harm of the evil eye. Avoid superstitions and trust in Allah’s power and mercy.
Written by: Maqbool Ahmad Salafi