Does Bidara Leaf Really Help Ruqyah? What Islam Teaches
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
Among Muslims experiencing gangguan jin, unexplained fear, recurring nightmares, sleep paralysis, or strange disturbances at home, one name often appears in discussions, comments, and whispered advice: daun bidara.
Some say it “breaks sihir.”Others say it “jin takut bidara.”And many are left confused—is this Sunnah, cultural, or bid‘ah?
Islam, however, is not built on viral claims or inherited practices. It is built on dalil, scholarly understanding, and correct belief. To understand the place of bidara leaf in ruqyah shar‘iyyah, we must return to how the Salaf understood it—without exaggeration, superstition, or denial.
And once that picture becomes clear, the confusion surrounding bidara suddenly makes sense.
What Is Bidara Leaf?
Bidara refers to the leaves of the Sidr tree (Ziziphus spina-christi), a tree well known in the lands of the Arabs and frequently mentioned in Islamic texts.
The Qur’an mentions Sidrat al-Muntaha—the Lote Tree at the utmost boundary—highlighting the nobility of the Sidr tree as a creation of Allah, though scholars clarify that this verse does not establish medicinal or ruqyah rulings by itself.
What matters is how scholars of the Salaf understood the practical use of bidara leaves in treating sihir and afflictions—based on experience, permissible means, and correct ‘aqidah.
How Did the Salaf Use Bidara Leaves in Ruqyah?
One of the most cited and authentic scholarly references regarding bidara comes from Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله.
Ibn Taymiyyah on Bidara and Sihr
Ibn Taymiyyah said (paraphrased faithfully, as cited by later scholars):
“It is reported that some of the Salaf used sidr leaves for one who was affected by sihr. The leaves would be crushed, mixed with water, and Qur’anic verses recited over it, then the afflicted person would drink from it and wash with it.”(Majmū‘ al-Fatāwā, Ibn Taymiyyah)
This statement is frequently referenced by IslamQA, with an important clarification:
Bidara is not the healer
It is a permissible means
Healing occurs only by Allah’s permission
This distinction is critical—because many modern practices cross this boundary.
What Was Bidara Used to Treat According to Scholars?
Based on the writings of Ibn Taymiyyah, later explanations by Shaykh Ibn Baz, and IslamQA summaries, bidara leaves were used as a supportive means in cases of:
Sihr (black magic)
Unexplained physical or mental harm
Severe waswas and distress linked to sihr
Afflictions where ruqyah was already being performed
It was never used alone.It was never treated as sacred.And it was never guaranteed to work.
Instead, it accompanied:
Qur’anic recitation
Du‘ā’
Tawbah
Correct belief
Physical Benefits of Bidara Leaves (Non-Spiritual)
Beyond ruqyah discussions, bidara leaves are also known—medically and traditionally—for physical benefits, which scholars allowed to be utilized as normal treatment, not spiritual ritual.
These include:
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Skin cleansing and wound care
Relief for certain digestive and skin conditions
This matters because Islam does not prohibit using natural medicine. The problem only arises when medicine is transformed into ritual.
Does Bidara Leaf Protect a Person from Jinn?
This is where many claims online go too far.
What Scholars Affirm
Scholars affirm:
Ruqyah protects, by Allah’s permission
Qur’an and adhkar are the primary protection
Bidara may be used as a means, not as a shield
What Scholars Do NOT Say
There is no sahih hadith stating:
“Jinn are afraid of bidara”
“Bidara expels jinn automatically”
“Place bidara in your house for protection”
Any belief that an object itself repels jinn without Allah’s will resembles amulet-thinking, which Islam forbids.
So bidara does not protect by itself. Protection comes from:
Ayat al-Kursi
Al-Mu‘awwidhatayn
Surah al-Baqarah
Consistent dhikr
Bidara, at best, is a permissible supporting means—nothing more.
How Is Bidara Used Today?
Today, bidara appears in many modern forms:
Bidara Water
Leaves are crushed or boiled, then Qur’an is recited over the water, which may be:
Drunk
Used for bathing
Permissible if:
No fixed rituals are invented
No special numbers or timings are believed obligatory
Bidara Tea
Used mainly for physical benefits. Islamically neutral—unless turned into a ritual cure for sihr.
Bidara Soap & Extracts
Permissible as hygiene products. No spiritual status attached. For more bidara products, you can visit our shop here:(https://www.myquranpro.com/category/all-products)
Common Mistakes and Bid‘ah Practices Involving Bidara
Scholars warn against several widespread errors:
1. Treating Bidara Like an Amulet
Believing it “blocks” jinn independently is haram belief.
2. Inventing Fixed Rituals
Such as:
“7 leaves for 7 nights”
“Must be done after Maghrib only”
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen warned that invented specifications in worship can become bid‘ah.
3. Neglecting Qur’an While Focusing on Leaves
This reverses priorities. The Qur’an is the cure, not the plant.
The Correct Way to View Bidara in Ruqyah Shar‘iyyah
The balanced Salafi position is:
Bidara is permissible
It is not Sunnah in itself
It is a means, not a cure
It must never replace Qur’an, salah, or tawakkul
This approach protects a person from:
Shirk
Bid‘ah
False hope
Spiritual dependency on objects
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Bidara Leaf
1. Is bidara leaf mentioned in the Qur’an?
The Sidr tree is mentioned, but not as a ruqyah ingredient.
2. Did the Prophet ﷺ use bidara for ruqyah?
No authentic hadith states this explicitly.
3. Is using bidara bid‘ah?
No—if used as a means, not worship.
4. Can bidara cure sihir?
Healing is from Allah alone.
5. Can bidara remove jinn?
There is no sahih proof it expels jinn by itself.
6. Is bidara water allowed?
Yes, with correct belief.
7. Can bidara be used daily?
Yes, but without ritualizing it.
8. Is bidara better than ruqyah?
No—ruqyah is primary.
9. Can bidara replace medical treatment?
No, Islam encourages proper medical care.
10. When should I seek help?
If symptoms persist or worsen despite ruqyah.
Conclusion: The Cure Was Never in the Leaf—It Was Always in Tawheed
Bidara leaves were never meant to become symbols of protection.They were never meant to overshadow the Qur’an.
They were simply a permissible means, used carefully by scholars who understood that healing belongs only to Allah.
If you are facing gangguan, fear, whispers, or disturbances, begin where the Salaf began:
Qur’an
Dhikr
Tawakkul
Correct ‘aqidah
Because the strongest protection was never a leaf—It was always La ilaha illa Allah.
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