Fatwa ID: 03484

Answered by: Alimah Sabrina Saidova​

Question

I have a bit of a dilemma regarding my mother's illness. A few years ago, she had an operation on her ear which has caused her to become deaf. Due to this operation, she has suffered a number of issues. One of them being extreme buzzing/loud noises in her head. This buzzing inside of her head is causing a lot of distress: not being able to sleep, severe depression etc. She was given a suggestion by someone to try out hypnosis to help cancel out the noises.

Hypnosis therapy seems like our last resort as we have tried several medications to help. Would it be permissible to do? I have heard hypnosis is related to the use of magic but I feel that this is more of a medical/health issue, so in this case, would it be allowed?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

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

Hypnosis seems to be a treatment that focuses on the patient's focus and concentration and doesn’t seem to necessarily be related to a corrupt belief or the use of magic. However, if it becomes the reason for the corruption of one’s belief, then one must avoid this treatment. If there are alternatives present, then it will be better to avoid this method. Also, there should be some level of cure in the treatment for one to go through it. I encourage you to investigate further into this treatment and if you come across any explicit aspect that contradicts the Shari’ah, please send in another question.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Alimah Sabrina Saidova

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham