BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

MUSLIMS are encouraged to make efforts to seek treatment for their illnesses, however, in doing so they must not apply methods that conflict with the laws of Islam.

“In the Islamic medical sciences there are three methods of treatment. Firstly, through physical medication. Secondly, through metaphysical medication, and thirdly, through a combination of both the physical and metaphysical elements,” imams said yesterday during the sermon.

Physical medication are honey, _Zamzam _water, panadol and other types of modern medication, while metaphysical medications are recitation of the Quranic verses, supplications (doa) and zikir (words in remembrance of Allah SWT) .

“It must be remembered that in seeking cure for diseases, it is important not to seek treatment that conflicts with the laws of Islam such as superstitious practices that use strange languages, the meanings of which are unknown, or using symbols or specific inscriptions believed to be capable of curing certain illnesses,” said imams nationwide.

Practices such as these are incompatible with the laws of Islam, and may lead to syirik (associating Allah SWT with anything as an equal) that is a cardinal sin and will not be forgiven by the Almighty.

Imams also reminded Muslims to be wary of shamanism that can affect an individual’s aqidah (belief). There are still those who seek treatment from a bomoh (shaman), and believe in a certain power in talismans, amulets, lucky charms, keris, machete, stones, ring or other such items, used to ward off misfortune or cure ill nesses. These beliefs are also considered as syirik.

There are also bomohs who claim that it is possible for an angel, the spirit of a dead person or a bunian (metaphysical being) to enter their bodies during treatment. Imams explained that this is in fact the works of a jinn or syaitan entering the bomoh‘s body and relaying information of the unseen; matters that have or have not occurred.

The Brunei Times