Introduction
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative approaches to mental health treatment that take into account cultural and religious beliefs. One such approach is Ruqyah ParaScience, which combines principles from Ruqyah Shariah, an Islamic form of spiritual healing, with modern mental health practises. In this blog post, we will delve into the impact of Ruqyah ParaScience on mental health, considering its potential benefits and limitations within the context of cultural and religious beliefs.
Ruqyah ParaScience is rooted in the principles of Ruqyah Shariah, which is based on the belief that mental health disorders can be caused by supernatural factors such as evil spirits, envy, or the evil eye. The practise involves the recitation of specific verses from the Quran, supplications, and the use of prophetic medicines as a means to seek healing and protection from such supernatural causes.
1 Potential Benefits of Ruqyah Parascience
1a Integration of Faith and Healing: For individuals with strong religious beliefs, Ruqyah ParaScience provides a holistic approach to mental health treatment by integrating faith and healing. This can offer comfort, hope, and a sense of spiritual connection, fostering resilience and aiding in the recovery process [1].
1b Empowerment and Active Participation: Unlike some conventional mental health treatments that primarily focus on medication and therapy, Ruqyah ParaScience encourages individuals to actively engage in their healing process through supplication, self-reflection, and adherence to spiritual practises. This active participation can empower individuals and enhance their sense of agency in their own recovery [1].
1c Cultural Relevance and Sensitivity: Ruqyah ParaScience caters to individuals from Muslim-majority cultures, where spiritual and religious beliefs are deeply intertwined with everyday life. By incorporating cultural and religious practises, it can promote a sense of cultural relevance and sensitivity, allowing individuals to address their mental health challenges within a familiar and meaningful framework [2].
2 Limitations and Considerations
2a Lack of Scientific Evidence: The effectiveness of Ruqyah ParaScience in treating mental health disorders has not been extensively studied using rigorous scientific methods. Limited empirical evidence makes it challenging to evaluate the efficacy of this approach. Researchers and practitioners should strive to conduct high-quality studies to establish its effectiveness and safety [1].
2b Potential Over-reliance on Spiritual Causes: The emphasis on supernatural causes may lead to an over-attribution of mental health problems to spiritual factors, potentially neglecting or delaying the identification and treatment of underlying psychological, social, or physiological factors. Collaboration between Ruqyah ParaScience practitioners and mental health professionals is essential to ensuring a comprehensive approach to care [2].
2c Individual Variation and Cultural Sensitivity: While Ruqyah ParaScience may be appropriate for individuals who share Islamic beliefs, it is important to recognise that cultural interpretations and practises may vary across different regions and communities. Mental health professionals should respect and understand the nuances of individual cultural and religious contexts to provide appropriate and personalised care [1].
Conclusion
Ruqyah ParaScience offers a unique approach to mental health treatment that integrates faith, spirituality, and cultural beliefs. While it holds potential benefits in terms of empowerment, cultural relevance, and holistic care, its limitations, such as the lack of scientific evidence and the need for collaboration with mental health professionals, should also be considered. To promote the integration of Ruqyah ParaScience into mainstream mental health care, further research, dialogue, and collaboration between traditional and contemporary healing practises are necessary.
By recognising the cultural and religious context of individuals seeking mental health support, we can foster a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of mental health treatment, ensuring that diverse perspectives and practises are respected and integrated into comprehensive care frameworks.
References
[1] Alam, F. (2019). Ruqyah therapy in mental health. Journal of Psychiatry, 22(1), 1–5.
[2] Khan, M. Y. (2017). The role of religious beliefs in the treatment of mental disorders: An updated review. Cureus, 9(2).
Updated: 09/07/2023
