Fatwa ID: 08422

 

 

Written by: Mufti Muhammad Altaf Hossen

 

Question:

 

If I see an individual is struggling with their prayers and wudhu so much through OCD, that its causing them depression, when/is it okay to encourage them to take a step back from prayers?

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer:

 

Introduction of OCD: OCD means obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD is more than just a mental health condition; it’s a daily struggle that affects millions globally, including many in the Muslim community. Managing OCD can be uniquely challenging due to the interplay between religious practices and cultural expectations. Features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviours, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions get in the way of daily activities and cause much distress. Those who have OCD may be ashamed, embarrassed, and frustrated about the condition. But treatment can be effective.

 

Islamic rule for prayer (Salah) step down:

The person who is in the OCD position has to pray salah and continue until unless senseless.  Hasan ibn ‘Ammar ibn ‘Ali al-Shurunbulālī al-Miṣrī al-Ḥanafī  said, the Book of Prayer
1 – [Conditions for its Obligation]

Three things are required for the obligation of prayer:
a) Islam.
b) Puberty
c) Sanity.(1)

 

The Role of Faith and spirituality in getting rid of OCD:

 

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ” 

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Quran 2:153) 

This verse underscores the importance of patience and prayer, which can be significant for those dealing with mental health challenges. 

 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of seeking medical treatment: 

“تَدَاوَوْا، فَإِنَّ اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَمْ يَضَعْ دَاءً إِلَّا وَضَعَ لَهُ دَوَاءً” 
“Seek treatment, for Allah has created a cure for every illness.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 3855) 

This Hadith encourages Muslims to seek medical help for their illnesses, including mental health issues, reinforcing that seeking treatment is not contrary to faith. 

 

Another important Hadith states: 

 “مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ دَاءً إِلَّا أَنْزَلَ لَهُ شِفَاءً” 
“Allah did not send down a disease except that He also sent down its cure.”
(Sahih Bukhari 5678) 

 

Conclusion:  Overcoming OCD is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and support. For Muslims, incorporating Islamic teachings and seeking help from a Muslim OCD therapist can provide a comprehensive approach to managing this condition. By combining religious practices with modern therapeutic techniques, individuals can achieve better mental health and a stronger spiritual connection. May Allah give us all the strength and resources to overcome illnesses. 

 

 

References:

 

(1)

The name of the book:نور الإيضاح ونجاة الأرواح في الفقه ال

 

The  name of the writer: حسن بن عمار بن علي الشرنبلالي المصري الحنفي (ت ١٠٦٩ه

The publisher: المكتبة العصرية

Topic: كتاب الصلاة    Bab:-مدخل

 

Page number: 44    Maktab Shamila

[كتاب الصلاة]

١ -[شروط فرضيتها]

يشترط لفرضيتها ثلاثة أشياء:

أ – الإسلام. ب – والبلوغ. ج – والعقل.

 

 

Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.

Written by Mufti Muhammad Altaf Hossen

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham