USE OF COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES BY MUSLIMS: HALĀL OR HARĀM?

Abstract

With the increasing reliance on complementary therapies as a means to treat ailments that Muslims are struggling with today, it is important to understand if such approaches are halāl or harām by considering the various options from an Islāmic perspective. There are several therapies that are practiced in ways that are very much in line with Islām and are compatible with Islāmic practices, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and cupping. There are other treatments that are more controversial such as homeopathy, hypnotherapy, yoga and reflexology as they include elements of harām through reliance on substances, such as alcohol, or they have a basis in beliefs that are incompatible with Islām. Whilst some have argued that these elements can be removed to make the therapeutic approach halāl, caution is urged on relying on a practise that has its original basis in something that is incompatible with Islām. This especially holds true when there are plenty of alternatives that are halāl and compatible with Islām that derive the same benefits as those that are questionable.