145 – (Authentic) Abu Saʿīd al-Khudrī (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

A group of the Prophet’s Companions set out on a journey. They halted at a clan of the Arabs and asked to be hosted, but the people refused. Meanwhile the chief of that clan was bitten by a scorpion, and they tried every remedy yet nothing helped. Someone suggested, “Why don’t you go to those travelers who have encamped nearby? Perhaps one of them has something that will work.” So they came and said, “O company of men, our chief has been stung and we have tried everything but it brings no benefit. Does anyone among you have anything that could help?”

One of the Companions replied, “By Allah, I do perform ruqyah (healing incantations), but we asked you for hospitality and you refused; therefore I will not perform a ruqyah for him unless you give us a payment.” They settled on a flock of sheep. The Companion approached the chief, spat lightly on the wound, and recited, “Praise be to Allah, Lord of all worlds” (Sūrat al-Fātiḥa). It was as though the man had been freed from shackles: he rose and walked about with no trace of illness.

They paid the travelers the flock they had agreed upon. Some of the Companions proposed, “Divide it up.” The one who performed the ruqyah said, “Do not do that until we go to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and tell him what happened, so that we may see what he commands.”

When they reached the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and informed him, he said, “How did you know that it is a ruqyah?” Then he added, “You were right. Distribute (the flock) and set aside a share for me as well.” The Prophet ﷺ laughed. ⦗129⦘