Islamic Education Specialist & Quran Learning Expert
Published: August 28, 2026 9 min read
Ayat al-Shifa (آيات الشفاء) are the "verses of healing" — six verses of the Quran in which Allah mentions shifa (healing and cure). Muslims have long recited these verses seeking spiritual and physical wellbeing, always trusting that the true Healer is Allah, Ash-Shafi.
These verses are a beautiful reminder that the Quran itself is described by Allah as "a healing and a mercy for the believers." Reciting them with understanding brings comfort to the heart, and many recite them over the sick as a form of ruqyah.
Below are all six verses with Arabic, transliteration, and clear English meaning, followed by guidance on how to recite them and the correct belief to hold while doing so.
The Six Verses of Healing
At-Tawbah 9:14
وَيَشْفِ صُدُورَ قَوْمٍ مُؤْمِنِينَ
Wa yashfi sudura qawmin mu’minin.
Meaning: "…and heal the hearts of a believing people."
Wa nunazzilu minal-Qur’ani ma huwa shifa’un wa rahmatun lil-mu’minin.
Meaning: "And We send down of the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers."
Ash-Shu‘ara 26:80
وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ
Wa idha maridtu fahuwa yashfin.
Meaning: "And when I am ill, it is He who heals me." (the words of Ibrahim, peace be upon him)
Fussilat 41:44
قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هُدًى وَشِفَاءٌ
Qul huwa lilladhina amanu hudan wa shifa’.
Meaning: "Say, it is, for those who believe, a guidance and a healing."
How to Recite Ayat al-Shifa
Begin with sincerity, facing Allah as the only true Healer (Ash-Shafi).
Recite the verses over yourself or a sick person, then gently blow over them — as the Prophet ﷺ used to do with recitation.
Some recite the six verses several times, along with Al-Fatiha, which is itself called Ash-Shifa in the Sunnah.
Combine recitation with lawful medical treatment; the Quran and medicine are not in conflict.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that Allah has not sent down a disease except that He has also sent down its cure. Seeking treatment and seeking healing through Quran are both part of the Sunnah.
Al-Fatiha: The Greatest Ruqyah
Alongside these six verses, Surah Al-Fatiha holds a special place in healing. In an authentic narration, the Companions recited Al-Fatiha over a man who had been stung, and he recovered by Allah's permission. Learn more in our guide to Surah Al-Fatiha.
The Right Belief While Seeking Healing
Reciting Ayat al-Shifa is a means, not magic. A believer holds firmly that:
Cure and recovery come only from Allah.
The verses are a blessed means (sabab), and results rest with Allah.
It is encouraged to also seek qualified medical care.
Patience and reliance on Allah (tawakkul) are themselves a source of reward.
Ayat al-Shifa are six verses of the Quran that mention healing (shifa). They are found in Surah At-Tawbah (9:14), Yunus (10:57), An-Nahl (16:69), Al-Isra (17:82), Ash-Shu‘ara (26:80), and Fussilat (41:44).
How do you recite Ayat al-Shifa for healing? +
Recite the six verses sincerely over yourself or a sick person and gently blow over them, as the Prophet ﷺ did with recitation. Many also add Surah Al-Fatiha. This should accompany, not replace, lawful medical treatment.
Does reciting Ayat al-Shifa guarantee a cure? +
No. Healing comes only from Allah, Ash-Shafi. The verses are a blessed means (sabab) taught in the Sunnah, but the outcome is always in Allah's hands. It is encouraged to combine recitation with qualified medical care.
Can I recite Ayat al-Shifa for someone else? +
Yes. You may recite the verses over a sick family member or friend and blow gently over them. This form of ruqyah with the Quran is established in the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Is Surah Al-Fatiha connected to healing? +
Yes. Al-Fatiha is referred to as Ash-Shifa (the cure) in the Sunnah. In an authentic narration, Companions recited it over a man who had been stung and he recovered by Allah's permission.
Islamic Education Specialist & Quran Learning Expert
Faisal Tariq is identified on NoorPath as the academy's founder. This article is published as part of NoorPath's Quran and Islamic education resource library.
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