only a little of knowledge” (17:85).

12 – Malevolent, wicked spirits are real and widespread—especially among souls that are receptive to them. They are also found in filthy places and in houses where sins are frequent and flaunted, and where the remembrance of Allah is scarce. Driving these evil spirits from bodies and homes is not achieved by turning to charlatans and self-proclaimed seers, nor by merely changing one’s location and the like; rather, it is accomplished through the prescribed litanies and lawful Qur’anic incantations (ruqya).

13 – Ibn al-Mulaqqin said, in substance: The apparent sense is that the Prophet ﷺ used to voice this supplication aloud in that setting; the evidence that he did so is clearer than the idea that he was merely describing his own practice.