Psychology is a widely discussed field today. Many people turn to various methods for personality development, mental health and treatment. However, many of these methods have not been scientifically established and are incompatible with the foundations of Islamic belief. NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), hypnotism and the Freudian unconscious mind are examples. This article examines them from scientific and Islamic perspectives.
Psychology and Pseudosciences
The Western definition of psychology is “the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes.” Its main goals are to measure, predict, control and interpret behaviour. However, many theories do not meet these criteria.
Sigmund Freud’s concepts of the unconscious mind, id, ego and superego are examples. He argued that memories of psychological trauma are pushed into the unconscious and can later be recovered. However, this has not been scientifically established. Most recovered memories are either false or formed through the therapist’s suggestions. Another major shortcoming is the disregard for a person’s sense of responsibility and freedom of choice.
NLP, Dianetics, energy therapy, distant healing and psychodrama also belong to this category. Leading bodies such as the American Psychological Society have classified NLP as pseudoscience. Saudi scholars such as Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan, Abdul Aziz Aal al-Shaykh and Sulayman al-Ruhayli have also strongly criticised NLP.
Hypnotism: History and Process
Hypnotism is the primary tool of NLP and similar methods. Its history begins with “temple sleep” in ancient Egypt 5,000 years ago. It later became widespread in the sleep temples and oracles of Greece.
Its modern form originated in Franz Anton Mesmer’s “animal magnetism,” which the scientific community rejected. James Braid was the first to use the term “hypnotism.” Richard Bandler and John Grinder, the founders of NLP, used Milton Erickson’s methods of indirect hypnosis.
Sensory awareness, expectation and suggestions operate during hypnotic relaxation. A person’s critical thinking and self-defence disappear, and they become completely subject to the hypnotist. This is an altered state of consciousness.
The Islamic Perspective
Islam emphasises maintaining a clear state of awareness. Everything that eliminates or disrupts consciousness is prohibited. Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) states that completely removing self-awareness is haram, even if it does not reach the state of intoxication.
The Saudi council of scholars classified hypnotism under soothsaying and magic (sihr). Considering it to involve the assistance of jinn, it held that it is shirk and is not permissible.
Believing in or promoting Freudian conjectures is haram. The Qur’an says, in meaning: “O believers, if an evildoer brings you news, investigate it carefully…” (Al-Hujurat, 49:6). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the greatest falsehood.”
Alongside belief in divine decree, Islam recognises human discernment and freedom. The Qur’an says, in meaning: “The truth is from your Lord. So whoever wills, let him believe; and whoever wills, let him disbelieve” (Al-Kahf, 18:29). The Islamic terms concerning the mind and soul include ruh, nafs and qalb.
Conclusion
It is not enough for a treatment or method merely to appear effective in experience. It must comply with the requirements of Shariah. NLP, hypnotism and concepts such as the unconscious mind have not been scientifically established, involve a loss of awareness and are based on conjecture. Muslims should carefully avoid these in personality development and treatment, and choose methods compatible with Islamic foundations.
May Allah grant us sound discernment. Ameen.
