Ruqyah and Its Use among Patients with Cancer

Abstract In this article, we reviewed ruqyah from past to present and its use among patients with cancer to attract attention to the importance of ruqyah. Ruqyah, one of the mind–body interventions among complementary and alternative medicine therapies, refers to the healing method based on the Quran and hadith through the recitation of the Quran, seeking of refuge, remembrance, and dua (supplication) that is used as a means of treating sickness and other problems, by reading ayats of the Quran, the names and attributes of Allah, or by using the duas in Arabic or in an understandable language. Ruqyah is frequently used in patients with cancer in combination with medical treatment, and many patients benefit from ruqyah practices. It is usually used to improve emotional and physical well-being, relax, cope with the disease, strengthen the immune system, increase vitality, decrease pain and stress, treat disease, accelerate the healing process, increase the duration of life, improve sleep quality, reduce side effects associated with treatment, and to be self-sufficient. Ruqyah is a complementary method for modern cancer treatment. It is not an alternative to chemotherapy and cannot directly replace medical treatment. Patients can perform ruqyah by themselves without applying to Muslim faith healers or spiritual healing centers. It can be by everyone regardless of their religion and belief. Although ruqyah has been successfully used in various social, mental, spiritual, and physical disorders for over 1,440 years, there are limited randomized controlled trials about its use in patients with cancer due to lack of cooperation between health professionals and Muslim faith healers applying ruqyah. Therefore, we suggest that health professionals develop joint projects and studies with Muslim faith healers and Islamic religion professionals on this subject. Finally, we strongly believe that ruqyah must be integrated into mainstream modern medicine as in the “Malaysia model” in both developing and developed countries.