Question: It is claimed that treatment for insanity is to be sought at church, in particular, the church of Mary Jirjis, or from sorcerers and charlatans commonly practising in villages. That type of treatment is claimed to have sometimes worked. So is it permissible to do that, keeping in mind that a patient in a fit of madness may die if he is not treated immediately?
Response: It is not permissible to go to church, or sorcerers or charlatans for treatment of insanity.
Rather, the permissible treatment is by way of legislated ruqyah, for example – reading the Qur.aan such as Soorah al-Faatihah, Soorah al-Ikhlaas, Soorah al-Falaq, Soorah an-Naas and theAayah al-Kursee, and that which is mentioned from the authentic Prophetic prayers and supplications.
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
al-Fataawa adh-Dhahabiyyah fir-Ruqaa ash-Shar’iyyah, Page 74
