The implementation of guidelines of ruqyah in Malaysia : a field assessment in light of the prophetic sunnah

Abstract

Ruqyah is widely being carried out in Malaysia. In line with this development, the state of practices which are dubious and contrary to the Prophetic teachings is also rampant among the Malay community. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Penang Mufti’s Department have taken proactive step by issuing Guidelines on Alternative Treatment According to Islam as a guide to the community on practices that are in accordance with and contrary to Islamic creed, laws and ethics. However, this brings up the question whether the Malay community in Penang in particular knows the existence of these guidelines? If so, to what extent are they being implemented? Thus, this paper aims to assess the understanding of the Malay community and the practice of ruqyah in Penang. Interviews and observations were conducted on several ruqyah practitioners and patients. Qualitative findings were analyzed thematically after coding the data manually and getting confirmation from experts. The results of the interviews found that there are still misunderstandings and confusion on the practice of ruqyah that is related to Islamic creed, laws and ethics. Meanwhile, the results of the observations found that there are still five methods of Ruqyah that are contrary to the Guidelines on Alternative Treatment According to Islam, namely the ruqyah practitioners fail to abide by Guideline 3.3.1(i) which states not to use practices in the forms of “of sorcery, black magic, fortune-telling, astrology, palmistry, nor conjuring tricks”. Therefore, an authoritative body is required to conduct regular and systematic monitoring in each premise that conducts the practice of ruqyah. Seminars or courses on the practice of ruqyah should be intensified and extended to mosques in every residential area to ensure every Muslim community will get accurate information related to Ruqyah in accordance with the Prophetic traditions and Islamic laws.