Q: Some people who are possessed are taken to Sufi shaykhs for treatment. They treat them using incense, incantations, and amulets and then their condition improves. What is the ruling of Shari`ah (Islamic law) on this?
A: Possessed people should never be taken to such deviants. Rather, they should be taken to righteous people among the reciters of the Qur'an who are wellversed in the treatment of such cases. They can recite Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) over the patient, blow over them, and use beneficial, lawful means to exorcize them. Allah has made a reason for everything and a remedy for every ailment. Jinn (creatures created from fire) are mostly exorcized with Allah's Will when a pious, knowledgeable believer known for uprightness and sound `Aqidah (creed) recites recommended Ayahs over the possessed and blows over them while rebuking the Jinn. Under no circumstances should a Muslim ever go to such deviant Sufis who are notorious for their Bid`ah (innovation in religion), aberrations, and superstitions. A Muslim should neither visit them nor seek their treatment, for they may harm their visitors and drag them into their Bid`ah practices and superstitions. Sufis mostly resort to Bid`ah and superstitions, and most of them worship their socalled shaykhs along with Allah, seek their help, make vows to them, and invoke them for support, whether they are alive or dead. Thus, deviant Sufis are in a dangerous state and only few among them have been able to remain uncorrupted. There is neither might nor power except with Allah! May Allah grant us and them insight and guidance to the correct way of treating such cases, described in the Qur'an and the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). It is the way followed by the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him) and those who diligently follow in their footsteps. This is the Straight Path that is, Allah's Din (religion of Islam) which was revealed to His Messenger (peace be upon him). Likewise, it is not permissible for any person, whether possessed or suffering other diseases, to seek treatment from sorcerers, charlatans, or soothsayers who claim knowledge of Ghayb (the Unseen), worship anyone other than Allah, and treat patients using unlawful means prohibited by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).