Senna(sanā)foreatenordrunksihr

Senna — sanā or sanā makkī — is a plant whose leaves and pods have been used as a laxative for centuries. Two hadith mention it. Ibn Majah records from Ibrahim ibn Abi ‘Ablah, from Umm Salamah, that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Use senna and sanūt, for in them is a cure for every disease except al-sām.” Al-Albani graded it hasan; other scholars pointed to weaknesses in its chain. Al-Tirmidhi records that Asmā’ bint ‘Umays told the Prophet ﷺ she used shubrum as a laxative; he said, “Hot, hot,” and when she mentioned senna he said, “If anything were to contain a cure from death, it would be senna.” Al-Tirmidhi called it hasan gharib; some later scholars considered it weak. Neither report is at the level of the hadith on black seed or honey, and neither mentions sihr.

So why is senna in a ruqyah section at all? Some raqis reason that when sihr has been eaten or drunk — a common form, where the sorcerer’s material is placed in food — the substance may still be in the digestive tract, and a laxative, together with recitation, helps to expel it. This is ijtihād based on experience, not a text. Many experienced raqis do not use senna at all and rely on recitation, recited water, honey and vomiting if it occurs naturally. Treat senna as an optional aid for adults, only in the mildest form, and only after reading the safety block below.

1. 1

   Decide whether it applies to you

   Consider senna only if there is a real reason to suspect sihr taken by mouth — for example, persistent stomach symptoms that began after eating from someone hostile, and that flare during ruqyah — and only if you are a healthy adult who is not pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly or on regular medication. If any of those apply, skip this page.

2. 2

   Ask a pharmacist first

   Senna is sold as a licensed medicine (tablets or tea bags) in most countries. Ask the pharmacist whether it is suitable for you, what the maximum dose is on the packet, and whether it interacts with anything you take. Use the packet dose — never more.

3. 3

   Prepare a mild tea

   Use a commercial senna tea bag, or half to one teaspoon of dried senna leaves or two or three pods, in a cup of hot water. Steep for a short time — three to five minutes — for a mild effect; longer steeping and more leaf make it harsher and crampier. Do not boil the leaves. Strain well.

4. 4

   Recite over it and take it at night

   Recite al-Fātiḥa, Āyat al-Kursī, the Quls and the verses of sihr over the tea, blow lightly, say “Bismillāh” and drink it in the evening. Senna typically works six to twelve hours later, so taking it at night means the effect comes in the morning. Stay near a toilet the next morning.

5. 5

   Drink water and eat lightly

   Drink plenty of water and eat simple food the next day. Diarrhoea from senna can dehydrate you; recited water counts. If you get strong cramps, stop.

6. 6

   Keep the recitation going

   Senna is not the treatment; the ruqyah is. Continue daily recitation, recited water and honey. Whether or not anything visibly leaves the body, the cure is by the words of Allah, not by the bowel.

How often / how long

At most once a day, for two or three days, and not more than a week in total. If there is no improvement, do not keep taking it — a longer course does not make sihr “come out” and does make your bowel dependent. Some raqis suggest it once at the start of a plan and then not again; that is a sensible pattern.