When someone reports unexplained distress, unusual experiences or sudden changes in behaviour, how should an Alim or Alimah respond? When should Ruqya be considered, and when might someone need professional mental health support?
Conversations around Ruqya, sihr and jinn can sometimes be avoided altogether because of their complexity. At the same time, attributing every difficulty to a spiritual cause can prevent people from receiving other forms of help they may need.
Drawing upon his experience in Ruqya, Islamic counselling and teaching, Mufti Ismail ibn Nazir Satia will explore how Ulama can approach these sensitive situations with greater awareness, care and responsibility.
Ulama are often a first point of contact. Individuals and families may approach an imam or scholar before seeking any other form of support, making an informed initial response particularly important.
The subject can be difficult to navigate. Discussions concerning Ruqya, sihr and jinn may sometimes be dismissed or avoided because scholars feel insufficiently equipped to address them.
Not every case should be approached in the same way. Experiences attributed to spiritual causes may overlap with psychological, medical or social difficulties, making careful consideration and appropriate referral important.
People need both compassion and responsible guidance. Scholars can provide reassurance and Islamic guidance while recognising the limits of their role and knowing when additional professional support should be sought.
Greater awareness of the types of Ruqya and related cases that may present themselves to imams and scholars.
A clearer framework for considering reported spiritual afflictions alongside possible mental health concerns, without rushing to conclusions.
Practical guidance on how an Alim or Alimah can listen, respond and provide appropriate pastoral support.
Greater awareness of when Ruqya may form part of the response and when referral to qualified medical or mental health professionals should also be considered.
ʿUlamāʾ and Students of Knowledge
Community Leaders and Youth Workers
Imams and those providing pastoral support
Scholars who may encounter these concerns within their communities
