USE OF COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES BY MUSLIMS: HALÄ€L OR HARÄ€M?

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G. Hussein Rassool
Hannah Morris

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 halÄl or harÄm by considering the various options from an IslÄmic perspective. There are several therapies that are practiced in ways that are very much in line with IslÄm and are compatible with IslÄmic 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 harÄm through reliance on substances, such as alcohol, or they have a basis in beliefs that are incompatible with IslÄm. Whilst some have argued that these elements can be removed to make the therapeutic approach halÄl, caution is urged on relying on a practise that has its original basis in something that is incompatible with IslÄm. This especially holds true when there are plenty of alternatives that are halÄl and compatible with IslÄm that derive the same benefits as those that are questionable.

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