The Position of Islam on Scientology
13 October, 2020
QWhat is the position of Islam on Scientology? Can a Muslim become a Scientologist?
ANSWER
Hossam Ed-Deen Allam
13 October, 2020
Short Answer:
To begin, in principle, the relation of the Muslim with those of other faith traditions is founded on mutual respect and understanding.
Secondly, the Quran and hadith specifically state that there is no compromise on Islamic creed.
Thirdly, the Quran emphasizes that there is no secrecy in the teachings and acts of worship in Islam.
Lastly, the Quran states that there should be no monetization of the teachings and acts of worship in Islam accordingly.
Accordingly, in addition to the evident fact that a Muslim does not need to join Scientology, it is not permissible for a Muslim to become a Scientologist.
………….
Before presenting the stance of Islam on Scientology, I need to be highlight several facts to clarify the under-structure.
Respect for Humans of All Faiths
To begin, in principle, the relation of the Muslim with those of other faith traditions is founded on mutual respect and understanding.
“O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Quran 49:13.)
“O believers! Do not insult what they invoke besides Allah or they will insult Allah spitefully out of ignorance. This is how We have made each people’s deeds appealing to them. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them of what they used to do.” (Quran 6:108.)
Insulting false deities and their worshippers is forbidden regardless of the result that such conduct may lead to.
No Compromise on Islamic Creed
Secondly, the Quran and hadith specifically state that there is no compromise on Islamic creed:
“Certainly, Allah’s only Way is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture did not dispute ‘among themselves’ out of mutual envy until knowledge came to them. Whoever denies Allah’s signs, then surely Allah is swift in reckoning.” (Quran 3:19.)
“If one seeks a faith other than Islam, it will never be accepted from them, and in the Hereafter they will be among the losers.” (Quran 3:85.)
“Today I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your way.” (Quran 5:3.)
Jabir said that when ‘Umar came to the Prophet saying, “We hear from Jews traditions which charm us, so do you think we should write down some of them ?” he replied, “Are you in a state of confusion as the Jews and the Christians were? I have brought them to you white and pure, and if Moses were alive he would feel it absolutely necessary to follow me.” (Ahmad and Shu’ab Al-Iman.)
No Secrecy in the Teachings and Acts of Worship in Islam
Thirdly, the Quran emphasizes that there is no secrecy in the teachings and acts of worship in Islam. This is set out in the following verses:
Say, O Prophet, “This is my way. I invite to Allah based on clear and sure knowledge —I and those who follow me. Glory be to Allah, and I am not one of the polytheists.” (Quran 12:108.)
“Proclaim publicly what you are commanded to and turn away from those who ascribe partners to Allah.”(Quran 15:94.)
“Let there be no compulsion in religion, for the truth stands out clearly from falsehood.” (Quran 2:256.)
No Monetization of the Teachings and Acts of Worship in Islam
Lastly, the Quran states that there should be no monetization of the teachings and acts of worship in Islam accordingly:
Say, O Prophet, “I ask no reward of you for this guidance—it is a reminder to the whole world.” (Quran 6:90.)
“Follow those who do not ask you for any payment; they are rightly guided.” (Quran 36:21.)
“Or are you ‘O Prophet’ asking them for a reward for the message so that they are overburdened by debt?” (Quran 52:40.)
The Islamic Ruling on Joining Scientology
Accordingly, in addition to the evident fact that a Muslim does not need to join Scientology, it is not permissible for a Muslim to become a Scientologist.
Applying Scientology the Practice of Auditing for Psychological Benefit
Auditing is a process whereby the auditor takes an individual through times in their current or past lives to rid the individual of negative influences from past events or behaviors.
In Islam, auditing is only permissible if it is a medically established and scientifically proven benefit. Noteworthy, a Muslim must ensure that their privacy is maintained and their money spent rationally.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The word of wisdom is the lost property of the believer. Wherever he finds it, he is most deserving of it.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2687.)
“Surely those who misuse their wealth are following Satan in the same way that Satan proved to be ungrateful to his Sustainer.” (Quran 17:27.)
Abu Barzah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Man’s feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about his life, how did he consume it, his knowledge, what did he do with it, his wealth, how did he earn it and how did he dispose of it, and about his body, how did he wear it out.” [At-Tirmidhi.]
Cooperating with Scientology Affiliated Entities for Charitable and Philanthropic Causes
The directives of the Noble Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, as well as the practices of his rightly-guided caliphs, indicate that Islam aims to open the door to cooperation with all based on benevolence, righteousness, peace, and security for all.
Muslims are urged to partake in such cooperation with any individual, state or community who seeks it. Additionally, Muslims are prohibited to be part of any cooperation that is based on or would lead to injustice, oppression, or violence. In this respect, Allah the Almighty says:
Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is severe in punishment. (Quran 5:2.)
“As for non-Muslims who do not fight you on account of your faith, or drive you forth from your homelands, Allah does not forbid you to show them birr (kindness, love, and respect) and to deal with them with equity, for Allah loves those who act equitably.” (Quran 60:8.)
And Allah knows best.
Are Psychology and Islam Compatible? Yes – Use it!
Yes - Please Use It!
Timea Aya Csányi
14 October, 2020
What would you do if you got an ugly illness or maybe broke your arm? Would you just leave it hoping it gets better one day, in sha’Allah? Or would you do something so that it heals properly?
I guess most of us would visit a medical professional right away. So, what if you find yourself anxious suddenly, or your mood starts swinging from euphoric happiness to deep depression without any apparent reason? How would you cope after experiencing violence at home or surviving a car accident? What would you do if it seemed you just can’t reach a mutual understanding with your spouse? Would you also seek help?
COVID-19 Stress Relief
COVID-19 Stress Relief - 6 Quick Meditation Videos to Try Now
Muslims, especially non-Westerners, often feed on skeptic emotions towards the science of psychology and question its usefulness. Some might even doubt whether it is halal according to Islam. Surely, certain psychological theories or techniques are incompatible with the teachings of Islam. But dismissing psychology and the important benefits it offers all together would be a huge mistake. Psychology, in fact, has stronger connection with Islam than you might think.
Islamic Psychology
First and foremost, the science of psychology can help you understand yourself which will affect every aspect of your life. Understanding what motivates you, what makes you tick, how to overcome fears and phobias, and in general how human psyche works is not only fascinating, but it can help you to become more successful in your life as well as in your relationship with Allah, yourself and others. Psychology is about understanding people and their emotions, and why they think or do specific things.
Unlike secular approach, the Islamic viewpoint does not differentiate between scientific knowledge and religion, but rather believes they work hand in hand. Revelation (the Quran and the legal Sunnah) is from God; therefore it’s the ultimate truth. Science, however, is the product of human reasoning which, although Islam highly values, still remains secondary to revelation as it can include mistakes. Hence, Muslims should carry out and benefit from researches and scientific experiences – as long as they are in accordance with what the Quran and the legal Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) teach.
From a Muslim perspective, psychology is “the study of the soul, the ensuring behavioral, emotional, and mental process, as well as the seen and unseen aspects that influence these elements.” (Hamdan) We’re here on this Earth to worship Allah (Quran 51:56), and our ultimate goal is to pass the test of this life and earn our way back to Jennah, in sha’ Allah.
The Purpose?
The core of our life created by Allah is the soul which has 3 different stages. They are An-Nafs Al-Ammarah Bissu, the commanding soul that pushes us towards evil (Quran 12:53); An-Nafs Al-Lawwama, the reproachful soul that blames self for sin (Quran 75:2); and An-Nafs al-Mutma’inna, the soul in tranquility that is in strong connection with Allah (Quran 89:27) – our ultimate goal.
Throughout life, many elements influence the way we feel, think, and behave. They are our innate genes and instincts, our social environment, but also things we are aware of, yet unable to see like our Creator, the world of jinn, the presence of various angels around us; the belief in destiny, the Last Day, and the Hereafter.
Ultimately, Muslims throughout their lives strive to fulfill the purpose of their creation, to develop an Islamic personality, and to continuously purify their soul from desires and doubts in order to reach the desired stage of harmony and joy. For Muslims, that would be called a self-actualized (or rather self-differentiated) person in Maslow’s pyramid.
Causes of Mental Distress
Despite our efforts, it’s inevitable to face challenges in life. Most probably we all have experienced grief when someone close to us died; we all have felt we won’t ever find the light at the end of the tunnel; we all have blue days and anxious moments from time to time. These are completely normal feelings and part of the human life, which we are usually able to deal with. The problem begins when these feelings, thoughts, or actions become atypical, leading to personal distress or causing impairment in the person’s daily life functioning.
Unlike common stereotypes, mental illness is not a synonym for “being crazy or mentally disabled. In reality, at times, everyone suffers from some kind of mental illness to a certain extent. Anything that negatively affects one’s social, occupational, or family life outside the range of normality can be called ‘mental illness’.
From an Islamic perspective, the main causes of mental illnesses are usually the distancing from Allah, the influence of supernatural forces, and the poor development of schemas or our worldview. Allah informs us about it in the Quran:
“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.”
Lack of understanding of stressful life events increase the risk to become effected by jinns, whispering of Satan, or magic. As well, we may develop mental illness. Islamically, the purpose of emotional and/or cognitive distresses is exactly that of physical illnesses; they might be tests from Allah, or expiation for our sins; maybe they’re punishments that serve as a wake up call to remember Allah and turn back to Him.
What do Muslim Counselors/Psychologists Do?
Even though you are aware of all these facts, you might be still unable to understand your feelings or thoughts and where do they come from. You’re unable to form a plan to become a happy, harmonic individual again. You might lack certain key skills and techniques, an ideal environment, or supporting individuals that would assist you to overcome your difficulties. That’s the time to reach out to those who are experts in the field of emotions and human mind.
Islamic psychology acknowledges that humans are spiritual beings; thus, Muslim counselors or psychologists will combine their research-based knowledge about human nature with the teachings of Islam during the session(s). A counselor acts as a reminder, a peer, or a friend who applies the Prophet’s (PBUH) statement:
“The religion is good advice [naseeha].” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Counselors advise for people to fulfill their potential, facilitate behavior and experimental change from a spiritual, psychological, and intellectual perspective; they empower people to make their decisions and teach them concepts that enable them to develop; they intervene in order to shift human functioning back into the range of psychological health.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that counselors aren’t Islamic scholars; they look at cases from a psychological and not a halal-haram perspective. In case of a marital dispute, for instance, they try to find out the root of the problem, help the couple understand and respect each other’s opinion while equipping them with communication, problem-solving, and other helpful skills. They, however, can’t solve legal issues related to extramarital affairs or child custody. Muslim counselors certainly possess Islamic knowledge to a certain extent, but, in most cases, are not authorized to give fatwas. Consequently, professional counselors work with scholars hand in hand to assist clients in the most comprehensible way.
Best Option: Spirituality Integrated Psychotherapies
Integrating religion and spirituality into psychotherapy (like the popular Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) is actually one of the most effective ways to assist faithful Muslims as our beautiful religion is full of tools to heal as well as protect ourselves from psychological issues. Allah says in the Quran:
“O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.”
(Qur’an 10:57)
In fact, even Western researchers found positive association between spirituality and psychological well-being. Spirituality positively affects life, marital satisfaction, ability to cope with crisis, illness and stress.
Where to Find Mental Health Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic (list)
COVID-19: Where to Find Mental Health Support
Spiritual people (those who live out their religious rituals with firm belief and sincere intention) are happier and more optimistic; they find their meaning in life easier, have a stable personality, and usually enjoy higher social support. They are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, suicide, criminal behavior, and addiction that are, in large part, products of the Western lifestyle and its individualistic society.
Psychology is a very broad and rapidly developing field of science. It offers so much insight to humans about ourselves and how the world influences our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Muslim psychologists and counselors use this empirical knowledge, combining with Allah’s revelation and teachings, to give clients practical tools for times of life crisis, to offer explanation to their sufferings, and to provide them with a new perspective about themselves or their situations.
