The Ancient Islamic Remedy of Sidr Leaves for Protection Against Black Magic and Evil Eye
📖 Direct Answer: How Are Sidr Leaves Used for Ruqyah in Islam?
In Islamic medicine and classical Athar, crushing seven fresh green Sidr (Lote tree) leaves in clean water, reciting verified Qur’anic Ruqyah verses (Ayat al-Kursi, Surah al-A’raf 117–122, Surah Yunus 79–82, Surah Ta-Ha 65–69, and Al-Mu’awwidhat), drinking three sips, and washing with the remainder is an established Sunnah-compliant treatment to nullify black magic (Sihr), break sexual impediments, and repel the evil eye (‘Ayn) solely by the permission of Allah.
Spiritual afflictions—the toxic envy of the evil eye (‘Ayn), destructive jealousy (Hasad), and demonic sorcery (Sihr)—are sobering realities affirmed in the Holy Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Yet across the Muslim world today, when individuals or families experience sudden physical illness, marital discord, or emotional distress, they frequently fall victim to two destructive extremes:
- The Materialist Extreme: Denying the unseen realm altogether, dismissing genuine spiritual trials as mere hallucinations or primitive superstitions.
- The Deviant Extreme: Visiting fraudulent practitioners, occult charlatans, and so-called “healers” who prescribe polytheistic amulets (Taweez), invoke unknown names of Jinn, or demand animal sacrifices—falling into major Shirk.
The authentic tradition of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah rejects both distortions. Islam provides a pure, dignified, and evidence-grounded framework for spiritual healing: sincere reliance upon Allah (Tawakkul), pure recitation of the Divine Speech, and natural means sanctified in revelation.
Foremost among these prophetic remedies is the Sidr leaf (the leaf of the Lote tree, Ziziphus spina-christi). Documented by classical authorities including Wahb ibn Munabbih, Imam Ibn Kathir, and Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, the Sidr water protocol remains one of the most effective non-invasive treatments against sorcery and the evil eye.
📲 Inquire with IQS Ruqyah Counselors via WhatsApp (+91 7208660987)
📑 Table of Contents
- The Sidr Tree: Divine Mention in the Qur’an and Sunnah
- The Theological Reality of ‘Ayn (Evil Eye) and Sihr (Sorcery)
- Classical Scholarly Evidence: The Athar of Wahb ibn Munabbih
- Step-by-Step Practical Protocol: How to Prepare & Use Sidr Water
- The Precise Qur’anic Verses & Prophetic Duas to Recite
- Infographic Study Matrix: Authentic Sunnah Ruqyah vs. Occult Taweez
- Crucial Adab (Etiquettes) & Disposal of Qur’anic Water
- Professional Sharia-Compliant Ruqyah Sessions at IQS
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. The Sidr Tree: Divine Mention in the Qur’an and Sunnah
The Sidr (commonly identified botanically as Ziziphus spina-christi, or Christ’s Thorn Jujube) is an evergreen tree renowned for its deep roots, medicinal foliage, and resilience in arid climates. In Islamic tradition, however, its significance transcends botany. It holds an exalted place across both the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah.
Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala mentions the Sidr tree in three profound contexts within the Qur’an:
A. The Eternal Delights of Paradise (Surah Al-Waqi’ah)
Describing the Companions of the Right Hand (Ashab al-Yameen), Allah reveals that the trees of Jannah will be stripped of their worldly thorns and laden with endless fruit:
“[They will be] amid lote trees without thorns.”
B. The Highest Boundary of the Heavens (Surah An-Najm)
During the miraculous Night Journey and Heavenly Ascension (Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was brought to the utmost boundary of creation—marked by Sidrat al-Muntaha (The Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary):
“And he certainly saw him in another descent, at the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
C. The Purifying Sunnah of Washing the Deceased and Reverts
In the authentic Sunnah, Sidr is commanded as a purifying agent for ritual washing (Ghusl). When the Prophet’s daughter Zaynab radiyallahu ‘anha passed away, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ instructed the women:
“Wash her three times, or five times, or more if you consider it necessary, with water and sidr, and put camphor or something of camphor in the last washing.”
Similarly, when Qays ibn ‘Asim embraced Islam, the Prophet ﷺ instructed him: “Wash yourself with water and sidr.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 355, classed Sahih by Shaykh al-Albani). This demonstrates that Sidr possesses natural astringent, cleansing, and spiritually purifying qualities established directly by the Lawgiver.
2. The Theological Reality of ‘Ayn (Evil Eye) and Sihr (Sorcery)
In Athari theology upon the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, the evil eye and witchcraft are neither myths nor mere psychological metaphors. They are empirical, metaphysical realities permitted by the universal decree (Al-Qadar al-Kawni) of Allah as tests for mankind.
“The evil eye is a reality, and if anything could precede the divine decree, it would be the evil eye. And when you are asked to wash [for someone afflicted], then wash.”
The evil eye (Al-‘Ayn) occurs when an envious or admiring gaze is cast upon a blessing without making remembrance of Allah (such as saying “Barakallahu feek” or “Masha’Allah la quwwata illa billah”). Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullah explained in Zad al-Ma’ad (4/149) that the evil eye is an unseen toxic impulse transmitted from the envious soul towards the object of envy, which, by Allah’s permission, manifests in sudden illness, decline in wealth, or breakdown of emotional harmony.
Similarly, sorcery (Sihr) involves demonic pacts between wicked human practitioners and malevolent Jinn to cause separation between spouses, physical debilitation, or psychological bondage, as explicitly documented in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102).
Core Creed Principle: Neither the sorcerer nor the envious person possesses independent power. Allah states: “Yet they could not harm anyone except with Allah’s permission” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102). Therefore, true treatment can never be sought through counter-magic or occult talismans; it is obtained exclusively through the Creator of all causes.
3. Classical Scholarly Evidence: The Athar of Wahb ibn Munabbih
While the Prophet ﷺ gave general permission for all forms of Ruqyah free from polytheism (“There is no harm in Ruqyah so long as it does not contain Shirk” — Sahih Muslim 2200), the specific application of crushed green Sidr leaves for treating sorcery and sexual obstruction was documented by early authorities of the Tabi’een.
The classical report originated from the eminent Tabi’ee scholar Wahb ibn Munabbih (d. 114 AH) and was preserved by the great exegete Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir in his monumental Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azeem (under Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102):
“Seven green leaves of sidr are taken, crushed between two stones, then mixed with water. Ayat al-Kursi and the Qawaqil (the Surahs beginning with ‘Say’: Al-Kafirun, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas) are recited over it. Then the afflicted person takes three sips from it and washes his entire body with the remainder. It will remove whatever affliction was upon him, and it is especially beneficial for a man who has been physically withheld from his wife by sorcery.”
In Fath al-Bari, Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani referenced this narration via the commentary of Ibn Battal (d. 449 AH), noting that Wahb ibn Munabbih prescribed this treatment for Al-Ma’khudh—a man incapacitated from marital intimacy through sorcery (At-Taqeef).
In contemporary scholarship, former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baz rahimahullah confirmed this practice in Majmoo’ al-Fatawa (8/144), stating:
“The treatment of witchcraft for a man who is restrained from his wife, or for general magic, includes taking seven green leaves of the Sidr tree, pounding them with a stone or pestle, placing them in a vessel, pouring enough water over them to wash with and drink from, and reciting over it Ayat al-Kursi, Surah al-Kafirun, Surah al-Ikhlas, and the Mu’awwidhatayn, along with the verses on magic in Surah al-A’raf, Surah Yunus, and Surah Ta-Ha… By Allah’s permission, the affliction will be lifted.”
4. Step-by-Step Practical Protocol: How to Prepare & Use Sidr Water
To perform this authentic remedy at home with complete dignity and compliance with the Sunnah, follow these exact eight steps:
Step 1: Obtain 7 Clean Green Sidr Leaves
Procure seven fresh, unblemished green leaves from a Sidr (Lote) tree. If living in urban environments (such as Bangalore) where fresh leaves are inaccessible, pure, 100% unadulterated organic dried Sidr leaf powder (approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons) may be substituted. Ensure it is free of perfumes, dyes, or additives.
Step 2: Crush the Leaves Thoroughly
Wash the leaves of surface dust. Traditionally, they are crushed between two clean stones to rupture the cellular membranes and release their natural plant saponins and oils. In modern kitchens, a clean mortar and pestle, or a dedicated blender bowl, is completely permissible.
Step 3: Mix into Clean Water
Transfer the crushed pulp into a large, clean vessel (such as a 10 to 15-litre bucket or deep glass bowl). Add pure drinking-grade water in sufficient volume for both drinking three sips and pouring over the entire body during Ghusl. Zamzam water is ideal if available; otherwise, clean filtered water is perfectly valid.
Step 4: The Qur’anic Recitation with Sincere Presence of Heart
Sit in a state of Wudu facing the Qiblah. Bring your lips close to the surface of the water so that your breath reaches the liquid. Recite the prescribed Ruqyah verses (detailed in Section 5 below) slowly, with contemplation (Tadabbur), certainty of Allah’s promise, and deep humility.
Step 5: Perform Nafth (Light Breath with Fine Mist)
After completing each Surah or cluster of verses, perform Nafth—gently exhaling over the water accompanied by an imperceptible spray of moist breath (without spitting). This is the established Sunnah demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ when reciting upon himself or the sick (Sahih al-Bukhari 5017).
Step 6: Drink Three Sips
Scoop a clean cup from the prepared water. Begin by saying “Bismillah” and take three intentional sips, supplicating internally for healing from any consumed sorcery (Sihr Ma’kul or Mashrub) residing in the stomach or chest.
Step 7: Perform Full Body Washing (Ghusl)
Pour the remaining water over your entire body, starting with the head, shoulders, and back, ensuring the Sidr water drenches every limb. Crucial Note: Because Qur’an has been recited over this water, bathe inside a clean plastic basin or tub so that the runoff can be gathered and disposed of respectfully (see Section 7).
Step 8: Consistency & Repetition (3 to 7 Days)
As Shaykh Ibn Baz noted, if full relief is not achieved on the first day, the protocol should be repeated daily for three, five, or seven consecutive days until the demonic burden or physical heaviness dissipates completely by Allah’s will.
5. The Precise Qur’anic Verses & Prophetic Duas to Recite
The therapeutic power of this treatment does not reside within the botanical leaves themselves; rather, the leaves serve as a physical medium sanctified by the speech of Allah. The following verses should be recited with complete focus:
- Surah Al-Fatihah (1:1–7) — The Mother of the Book and the ultimate Ruqyah (Sahih al-Bukhari 5007).
- Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) — The greatest single verse in the Qur’an, which affords divine guardianship against Shaytan until morning.
- The Concluding Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:284–286) — Whoever recites them at night, they will suffice him (Sahih al-Bukhari 5009).
-
The Verses of Magic in Surah Al-A’raf (7:117–122):وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ أَنْ أَلْقِ عَصَاكَ ۖ فَإِذَا هِيَ تَلْقَفُ مَا يَأْفِكُونَ فَوَقَعَ الْحَقُّ وَبَطَلَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ فَغُلِبُوا هُنَالِكَ وَانقَلَبُوا صَاغِرِينَ وَأُلْقِيَ السَّحَرَةُ سَاجِدِينَ قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ رَبِّ مُوسَىٰ وَهَارُونَ
“So the truth was established, and that which they were doing was abolished…”
-
The Verses of Magic in Surah Yunus (10:79–82):فَلَمَّا أَلْقَوْا قَالَ مُوسَىٰ مَا جِئْتُم بِهِ السِّحْرُ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَيُبْطِلُهُ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُصْلِحُ عَمَلَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ وَيُحِقُّ اللَّهُ الْحَقَّ بِكَلِمَاتِهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُجْرِمُونَ
“Musa said: ‘What you have brought is sorcery; indeed, Allah will abolish it. Indeed, Allah does not mend the work of corrupters.'”
-
The Verses of Magic in Surah Ta-Ha (20:65–69):وَأَلْقِ مَا فِي يَمِينِكَ تَلْقَفْ مَا صَنَعُوا ۖ إِنَّمَا صَنَعُوا كَيْدُ سَاحِرٍ ۖ وَلَا يُفْلِحُ السَّاحِرُ حَيْثُ أَتَىٰ
“And throw what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. What they have crafted is only the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is.”
- Surah Al-Kafirun (109:1–6) — Disavowal of Shirk and uncompromised Tawhid.
- The Three Quls (Al-Mu’awwidhat): Surah Al-Ikhlas (112), Surah Al-Falaq (113), and Surah An-Nas (114) — repeated three times each.
Authentic Prophetic Supplications to Include:
“O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the affliction and grant cure. You are the Healer; there is no cure except Your cure—a cure that leaves behind no disease.”
“In the Name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that harms you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye. May Allah heal you. In the Name of Allah I perform ruqyah for you.”
6. Infographic Study Matrix: Authentic Sunnah Ruqyah vs. Occult Taweez
Because desperate individuals are frequently exploited by practitioners claiming to heal in the name of Islam, the Institute of Quran and Sunnah has compiled this essential decision matrix to safeguard your Aqeedah:
7. Crucial Adab (Etiquettes) & Disposal of Qur’anic Water
Because the words of the Holy Qur’an have been recited over the Sidr water, it is imperative to observe strict Islamic adab regarding its handling and disposal:
- Do NOT Pour Down Toilet Drains: Classical jurists and contemporary scholars (including the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, Fatwa 18873) explicitly caution that water recited upon with Qur’anic verses should not be discarded down sewage drains, toilets, or filthy places, out of reverence for the Speech of Allah.
- How to Bathe Respectfully: Stand inside a clean plastic laundry tub, basin, or large vessel placed inside your bathroom. Collect the wastewater as you pour the Sidr mixture over your body.
- Disposal Method: Take the collected wastewater and pour it outdoors at the roots of clean trees, garden plants, potted flowers, or clean undisturbed soil where it will be absorbed cleanly.
- Water Temperature: It is permissible to warm the water slightly if cold temperatures cause distress, provided the water is not boiled vigorously after recitation, which may alter the plant properties.
- Menstruating Women: A woman during her menstrual cycle (Hayd) or post-natal bleeding (Nifas) is completely permitted to drink and bathe in Sidr Ruqyah water prepared for her, as Ruqyah is for healing and is not invalidated by minor or major ritual impurity.
8. Professional Sharia-Compliant Ruqyah Sessions at IQS
While performing self-ruqyah at home is the most meritorious and foundational practice for every believer, severe or prolonged spiritual afflictions—such as entrenched demonic possession, complex witchcraft affecting marriages, or overwhelming anxiety—frequently benefit from the diagnostic guidance of experienced, trustworthy scholars.
The Institute of Quran and Sunnah (IQS) provides confidential, strictly Sharia-compliant spiritual counseling and Ruqyah consultations at our Frazer Town campus in Bengaluru, as well as dedicated online video sessions for interstate and global families:
Request Sharia-Compliant Ruqyah or Spiritual Counseling
Strictly grounded in Quranic recitation & authentic Sunnah supplications — 100% free of Shirk, Taweez, or amulets. Campus at Frazer Town, Bengaluru & Global Online Sessions.
Need Immediate Guidance for Spiritual Distress?
Speak directly with the counseling team at IQS. All sessions are conducted strictly in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah upon the methodology of the Salaf.
📍 Campus: No 192/3 BSA Road, Richards Town / Frazer Town, Bengaluru 560005 | ✉️ salam@iqs.org.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use dried Sidr powder if fresh green leaves are unavailable?
Yes. While classical scholars emphasized green leaves (due to their fresh sap and botanical oils), contemporary scholars—including Shaykh Ibn Baz and Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan—confirm that clean, pure ground Sidr leaf powder is a valid alternative when fresh leaves cannot be procured in non-tropical or urban regions.
2. Why are exactly seven leaves specified?
The specification of seven leaves originates from the classical narration of the Tabi’ee Wahb ibn Munabbih, recorded by Ibn Kathir and Ibn Hajar. In Islamic tradition, the number seven holds established divine significance (seven heavens, seven circumambulations of Tawaf, seven dates of Ajwa). While not an explicit Prophetic obligation, classical consensus confirms seven leaves as the established best practice.
3. Can Sidr water be poured directly down the bathroom drain?
No. Because the words of the Qur’an were recited directly over the water, Islamic adab requires that it must not be discarded into filthy sewer pipes or toilets. It should be collected in a tub during washing and poured outside onto clean earth, garden soil, or plants.
4. How many days should the treatment be continued?
Some individuals experience immediate relief after a single session. However, for deep-seated sorcery or acute evil eye, scholars recommend preparing fresh Sidr water and repeating the washing and drinking for three to seven consecutive days, accompanied by the daily morning and evening Adhkar.
5. What should I do if a healer gives me written papers to dissolve in water?
Be extremely cautious. If the paper contains geometric tables, numbered magic squares, astrological symbols, or unreadable names, it is witchcraft and must be burned or neutralized. Pure Ruqyah involves reciting Qur’an and authentic prophetic duas directly over water, not dissolving suspicious talismans.
6. Can women use Sidr leaves during their menstrual period?
Yes. Menstruating women are fully permitted to have Sidr water prepared for them, drink from it, and wash with it. The ritual bath with Sidr for Ruqyah is aimed at spiritual cure (Shifa), not ritual purification for prayer (Taharah), and hence is valid during menses.
Discover more from Institute of Quran and Sunnah
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
