Amal for protection against harmful animals or bites
Imam Tabarani (Rahimahullah), in his book Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat, narrates an account where specific words were presented before the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): ‘Bismillah, Shajjatun Qarniyyatun Milhatubahrin Qafta.’ The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) explained that they were used by Prophet Sulaiman (Alaihis Salaam) as protection against harmful creatures.
The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) did not discourage the Companions from reciting these words, indicating their permissibility.
On one occasion, a person had been bitten by a scorpion whilst in the company of Alqamah (Rahimahullah). Alqamah (Rahimahullah) recited these words and blew over him. This person immediately healed from the scorpion bite.”
Allamah Shawkani (Rahimahullah) mentions under this Hadith that it provides evidence for the permissibility of using Ruqyah (Where one reads certain words and blows on a patient) with phrases whose meanings are not known, as long as it has been experimentally proven to be effective and the practitioner knows that they have been authorized by the Shari’ah as stated in this hadith and is not part of magic, which is prohibited.
Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) divided ruqyah into two categories: legitimate ruqyah and invalid ruqyah. Legitimate ruqyah includes that which is done with the Qur’an or with what has been reported from the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) through his sayings, actions, or approvals. Invalid ruqyah is that which does not fall into these categories.