Burning substances such as rue (üzerlik), incense, bay leaves, or sage with the intention of protection against the evil eye or harmful entities, and believing that their scent can repel such influences, touches upon a sensitive theological issue in Islam. Such practices must primarily be evaluated in relation to intention (niyyah) and belief.
Islamic Methods of Protection and the Issue of Shirk
In Islam, protection from harmful influences is fundamentally sought through supplication to Allah, seeking refuge in Him, and recitation of Qur’anic verses. The Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended reciting certain chapters and supplications for protection against negative influences such as the evil eye and magic, including Surah Al-Falaq, An-Nas, Ayat al-Kursi, and Al-Ikhlas. In Islam, it is essential to rely solely on Allah as the source of protection and healing. Therefore, believing that a material object possesses an independent spiritual protective power may pose a risk of shirk.
The Use of Incense and Similar Substances
Substances such as incense have been used across different cultures throughout history. Some scholars have suggested that their scent may help repel harmful influences. However, such views are not directly based on primary religious sources but rather on experience. If something is known through experience to be beneficial, there is no inherent religious issue in using it as a supportive means—provided that it remains within the framework of the protective methods outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
What may lead to shirk is attributing independent spiritual power to physical objects or scents and believing that they themselves provide protection from harmful entities. Without such belief, protection should be sought through supplication, recitation of the Qur’an, and reliance on Allah.
Accordingly, using substances like incense or rue while listening to the Qur’an does not constitute shirk, as long as no mystical or independent power is attributed to them. However, believing that these substances themselves possess protective powers may lead to shirk.