Can I Offer Services to Meditation-Based Healers?

Question

My company runs an automation agency where I assist clients in automating their businesses and building efficient systems. My client is a Chinese doctor who discusses healing using ancient Chinese techniques. They are faith healers, and when I realized this after giving them my service for a couple of months, I immediately stopped because Islam says to have faith in only Allah.

After 3-4 months, they say they are missing my quality work and switching to a meditation-based business model. In their request, they said if I could help them with meditation-related projects, they would not need faith-healing assistance. Is this lawful?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

If their practices are free from religious beliefs and practices contrary to Islam, it would be permissible for you to offer your services to them, and Allah knows best.

First and foremost, it is commendable that you are seeking guidance on this matter, demonstrating your concern for aligning your business practices with Islamic principles. Let us address the situation in light of Islamic teachings.

Engaging with a Faith Healer: You initially provided services to a client involved in faith healing, and upon realizing the nature of their work, you ceased your services. This aligns with Islamic teachings as Islam emphasizes the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid), and seeking help, healing, or protection from anyone other than Allah is considered against the Islamic faith. It is essential to avoid involvement in practices that contradict core Islamic beliefs.

Switching to a Meditation-Based Business: Your client now wishes to transition to a meditation-based business model. Meditation, in and of itself, is not inherently contrary to Islamic principles. Some forms of meditation can be consistent with Islamic practices, such as mindfulness and reflection on Allah’s creation and attributes.

However, it is essential to consider the specifics of the meditation practices your client intends to engage in. If the meditation involves elements inconsistent with Islamic beliefs, such as invoking or relying on beings other than Allah, it would not be permissible for you to participate in such projects. On the other hand, if the meditation practices are free from un-Islamic elements and focus on relaxation, self-awareness, and general well-being, providing services related to these aspects may be permissible, and Allah knows best.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.