and his elbows, knees, the tips of his feet, and the inside of his waist-wrapper in a vessel. The water is then poured over the sick person afflicted by the evil eye. This is based on the report concerning ‘Āmir ibn Rabī‘ah: “When he passed by Sahl ibn Hunayf and afflicted him with the evil eye, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed him to perform ablution for him in this manner, after becoming angry with him and saying, ‘Why would one of you kill his brother? Why did you not invoke a blessing?’” What befalls the afflicted person following the words of someone who casts the evil eye without invoking a blessing is something Allah has ordinarily made occur, in accordance with the divine decree that directs events.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Why did you not invoke a blessing? The evil eye is indeed real.” He means that Allah has made this the customary course of events in most cases—not that the words of the person casting the evil eye bring about what befalls the afflicted person. Success comes only through Allah.
Section
On Treatment by Cauterization, Bloodletting, Cupping, and Taking Medicine
As far as I know, there is no disagreement that treatments other than cauterization—such as cupping, bloodletting, and taking medicine—are permissible under Islamic law and are not prohibited. Some of the early generations nevertheless disliked medical treatment and considered it better to forgo it out of reliance upon Allah.
“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, underwent cupping at the hands of Abū Taybah. He ordered that he be given a sā‘ of food and instructed his masters to reduce the payment they required of him. He said, ‘If any remedy can reach an illness, cupping can reach it.’”
“He, peace and blessings be upon him, sought treatment from the two physicians of Banū Ansār, asking, ‘Which of you is more skilled in medicine?’ They replied, ‘Is there any good in medicine, Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘Allah has sent down remedies just as He has sent down illnesses.’”
It is reported that “‘Ā’ishah was asked, ‘How did you acquire your knowledge of medicine?’ She replied, ‘The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was frequently afflicted by illnesses and would consult a physician, so I would listen to what the physician told him.’”
It is also reported that Usāmah ibn Sharīk said, “I witnessed the Bedouins asking the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, ‘Is there any blame upon us if we seek medical treatment?’ He replied, ‘Seek treatment, servants of Allah, for Allah has not sent down any illness without sending down with it a remedy—or he said, a cure—known to those who know it and unknown to those who do not.’” It is not permissible to seek treatment by drinking wine or any impure substance.