Is It Permissible to Do EFT Tapping and Access Bars Therapy?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible to do EFT Tapping and Access Bars Therapy? During these types of therapy, one gently massages or taps on the body’s energy to release any emotional blockages.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Compassionate.
When considering alternative therapies like EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Tapping and Access Bars Therapy, it’s essential to ensure that the therapy is free from beliefs and practices that contradict Islam’s guidance. If these treatments contain any such beliefs or practices, they would be unlawful; otherwise, they would be permissible, and Allah knows best.
After reviewing the medically approved information provided in this article on healthline.com, there are several concerns to be cautious of:
Energy Points
EFT is a technique that involves tapping on specific “meridian points” to balance the body’s energy. These practices are rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and are associated with “qi”, or life energy. [healthline.com]
Any reliance on “meridian points” or “energy balancing” must be carefully evaluated since Islam does not explicitly endorse the existence of “energy” or “qi” as described in these traditions.
Practices that assume spiritual energies or forces not substantiated by Islamic teachings may pose a theological problem if they imply powers or sources of healing from other than Allah (Most High).
Affirmations
While using affirmations or self-reflection to manage emotions is permissible, it must not lead to an exaggerated belief in the power of one’s own words and actions independent of Allah (Most High).
There should be a distinction between using positive thinking as a tool for emotional resilience and believing that repeating phrases while tapping can produce spiritual or supernatural healing independently of Allah’s power and decree.
According to the article, “The common setup phrase is: ‘Even though I have this [fear or problem], I deeply and completely accept myself.’” [healthline.com – linked above] The ambiguity in this “setup phrase” may lead to an individual engaged in sin to be content with their sin and their “acceptance” thereof, which is unlawful. Islam teaches us to repent from sins, not to accept our engagement therein, and Allah knows best.
Guidance on Seeking Remedies
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) stated, “Allah has sent down the disease and the cure, and has made for every disease a cure. So treat sickness but do not use anything unlawful” [Abu Dawud, 3376]
This highlights the encouragement in Islam to seek treatments and remedies, but with the understanding that healing ultimately comes from Allah (Most High).
In light of these references, EFT Tapping and Access Bars Therapy may be permissible if they do not involve superstitious practices, un-Islamic beliefs, or unsupported spiritual claims. They should be seen as natural means for emotional or physical well-being, with the understanding that the ultimate source of cure is Allah (Most High), and Allah knows best.
I pray that this benefits and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
