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Is Acupuncture Allowed in Islam?

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Publication : 02-05-2001

Views : 42624

Question

Is the practice of Oriental Medicine (the use of herbs, acupuncture, cupping) permissible?

Summary of answer

If it is proven that acupuncture is beneficial, or if its benefit outweighs its harm, then there is nothing wrong with seeking treatment using acupuncture.

Praise be to Allah.

Shaykh `Abdullah ibn Jibrin (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

Can Muslims use herbal medicine? 

“Yes, this is permissible, because the Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seek healing , O slaves of Allah, but do not seek it in that which is prohibited, for Allah does not make the healing of my Ummah in that which He has forbidden to it.” 

Seeking healing with herbs comes under the heading of permissible things. This does not contradict the idea of putting one’s trust in Allah (Tawakkul) .

It was narrated in the Hadith that a man said, “O Messenger of Allah, what do you think of medicines with which we seek healing , and Ruqyahs (incantations) which we use  for healing – do they change the decree of Allah?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “They are part of the decree of Allah,” i.e., Allah decrees that a person falls sick, then He decrees that this disease needs treatment, and that if it is treated with medicines or herbs, he may be healed by Allah’s leave.

So there is no reason why we should not use these medicines, including the use of needles and herbs.” 

Is Acupuncture Allowed in Islam?

With regard to the “Chinese needles” (i.e., acupuncture ), if it is proven that this is beneficial, or if its benefit outweighs its harm – if it causes any harm – then there is nothing wrong with using this.

And Allah knows best.

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Source: Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid