“Does
anyone know the position of hypnosis in Islam?”
“I did ask
and was told it was haram….the reason being that it was
likened to a state of intoxication, in that you have
voluntarily given up your control over your mental
faculties….And Allah(swt) knows best”.
This was
the reply to the above question I received on a Muslim
community group mailing list by one of its members.
Hypnosis is
defined as a state of deep relaxation; just short of deep
sleep.
A popular misconception is that hypnosis is a form of
unconsciousness resembling sleep. However, contemporary
research suggests that hypnotic subjects are fully awake and
whilst focusing attention, have a corresponding decrease in
their peripheral awareness. Subjects also show an increased
response to suggestions. In one of the first books on the
subject, Neurypnology in 1843, Dr James Braid
described "hypnotism" as a state of physical relaxation
accompanied and induced by mental concentration.
It is a
state of well-being and the client is fully in control. This
means that EVERY single one of us can be and has been in a
state of hypnosis; on a daily basis. For example, when we're
waking up and put our alarm on snooze and half-awake: this
is a state of hypnosis. When we are sometimes watching TV
and don't hear the other person; this is a state of hypnosis
also. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation but short of
being asleep. The methods of Hypnosis being referred to here
are those that allow the client to be in full control of the
suggestions and imaginations that they are given; at which
they are in a state to accept or reject them.
A quick
research into the history of Hypnosis can show that this was
common in Egyptian and Indian sleep temples. Hypnosis was
even practiced by ancient Greeks. Furthermore, in his Book
titled Kitab Al-Shifa (The book of Healing), the Persian
physician Avicenna (Ibn Sina 980-1037) wrote about Hypnosis
and referred to it as Al-Wahm Al-Amil. He was seen as the
first physician to make the distinction between sleep and
hypnosis. He stated that one would be able to create
conditions in other people so they can accept the reality of
this process of Hypnosis.
If we look
at one of the Fathers of modern Hypnosis, Dr Milton Erickson
(1901-1980), one who is known widely by any training
organisation of Hypnosis; much of his language patterns are
those that are already in the Quran. Yes! This not an
extreme comment and nor is it anything taken out of context.
How many of us knew this?
Ericksonian
hypnosis combines metaphorical stories which start and don't
finish at the same time. They sometimes finish at the end of
the sessions or sometimes a few sessions later. This is like
in the Quran of many stories of the Prophets (Peace Be Upon
Them all); which clearly continue throughout. Amongst many
language patterns used; Ericksonian hypnosis also refers to
many things with much vagueness. Another aspect clearly
found in the Quran. The benefit of vagueness is that it can
and does relate to any and every point in time - the less
specific, the more it can relate to wider audiences with no
limits or lesser limits of time, place and situation.
These are
just some of the methods and language patterns that will be
used. None of it goes against Islam; and is not 'haraam'
(forbidden); a word used much freely and yet only appears in
the Quran a few times.
Hypnosis
does NOT give the effects similar to that of 'intoxicants'.
Intoxicants are physical substances in the form of gas,
liquid or solid (powder and tablets, for example). They are
man-made substances or natural substances which are
processed in a manner to produce these harmful substances.
They effect the body, mind and the soul. They block out some
neurons and cause imbalance and effect the neurology. Hence
they result in effecting the complete body in this manner
and clearly don't allow the individual to be in control of
one's senses. Regardless of what they are; the purpose of
them is to fulfil the individuals need for 'more' for a
fulfilment they aren't getting from another area of life.
Hence; widely resulting in addiction. They also cause one to
say and do things they wouldn't in their own right mind or
in their daily normal lives when not using these substances.
Islam may
also not have allowed Hypnosis on the basis that it maybe
the works of a Soothsayer (fortune-teller) and/or working
with Jinns (spirits). This may have been true or maybe true
today still in some parts of the world as some people have
the ability to communicate with spirits. However, the
hypnosis being referred to and applied here has NO link or
connection with spirits or fortune-telling. Working with
spirits is seen as contrary to Islam on the basis that it’s
seen as ascribing power to those other than God. Where-as
the primary foundation of Islamic belief is upon the
conviction that There is Only One God and all power is with
Him. This refers to that we mortals have no knowledge except
that which God has allowed us to have. Having belief in
spirits and making use of them to intervene between the
Hypnotherapists and the client is completely contradictory
to Islam and definitely to the modern Hypnosis being
referred to here.
Hypnosis
does none of that as there is no two-way conversation; just
suggestions. Also, the client does not do or say anything
which they wouldn't in their right mind. Clearly this is a
misconception within the Muslim community. It highlights
that a judgement has been made on something without looking
into it. As we, the Muslim community, constantly do this;
truly we are denying ourselves the means for progression in
all areas of education, employment and further advances in
any area. If or as long as we continue to think in this much
limited manner then so will be the fruits of our labour have
the same effect.
There are
many Muslims; who are practising and trained
hypnotherapists. If anything, they've come closer to their
faith rather than further from away it. I even know a Muslim
colleague on my training who came from Saudi Arabia to learn
Hypnosis. He is a practising Muslim, works in a corporate
environment in change-management and has been there for over
10yrs. He states himself; that in Saudi Arabia there is much
withdrawal from anything they don't understand. If certain
things aren't understood; they are dismissed. I'm not saying
this is the case for every aspect in every area of
discipline. It is however, in reference to those he has met
in his company who are mostly practising Muslims. This is an
indication of what is much a problem in our communities and
hence gets 'blamed' on religion. This is something much
terrible of an example for those looking from outside, into
this amazing faith.
This
opinion is respected (“That Hypnosis is haraam in Islam as
it gives effects of intoxicants”) but it's not one that I
will accept for myself. As stated before, it is something of
highly much benefit to the community. There has been much of
a response as some individuals have seen the value of this
and how it can manifest in their lives and those around
them.
You are
requested and urged to look into this as to what it's
benefits are, it's methodologies and purpose; whether you
are Muslim or not: regardless. It can be verified by medical
doctors that Hypnosis is perfectly safe and accepted by the
medical profession as a means of curing some illnesses;
whether they are of the body, mind or soul. Medical science
will not accept something that includes working with spirits
and fortune-telling. Furthermore, hypnosis does certainly
NOT give effects of intoxicants; as can also be verified
medically. By definition of Hypnosis, The Quran certainly
brings about a deep relaxation through reciting or listening
to it. Hence, The Quran itself brings about a state of
Hypnosis. It was known that even people would fall into
trance through speech and conversation with Dr Milton
Erickson. Such was the effect of The Beloved Prophet (Peace
and blessings be Upon Him) who would talk to people in such
a relaxing manner that they felt his warmth; bringing about
greater relaxation within them; with an intention of
reaching out for the goodness.
Hypnosis is
a tool necessary for the Muslim community to allow the
recipients to bring out more of their amazing uniqueness
that every individual is special and is born with such
amazing gifts. Regardless of what area of life you are at;
we can always achieve more as we dream in the night; then
the days are to fulfil those dreams. It can be used to work
with clients to achieve their goals, relieve stress and even
improve their health whilst curing some illnesses. It is
beneficial and necessary for individuals as well as the
Muslim community in order to concentrate and focus deeper
upon their daily and personal goals.
Anything
that the mind can conceive, perceive, and achieve; the body
can physically easily achieve.
Be
confident, more relaxed and in control. Be successful in
love, work and so much more! 
