UAE imams ‘need law for faith healing’

The General Islamic Authority supports faith healing by imams, but only with the backing of legislation and regulation, FNC is told.

ABU DHABI // A law would have to be enacted for imams to practise faith healing, the head of the General Islamic Authority told the FNC yesterday.

“No doubt that the Quran has healing for people. No doubt faith healing is allowed and part of our religion,” said Dr Hamdan Al Mazroui.

“But in response to the question whether an imam can do this, we studied the law and found the law does not allow this, so it is hard legally to take this procedure.”

Dr Al Mazroui stressed the importance of the issue raised by council member Hamad Al Rahoomi (Dubai), especially at a time when illegal practices, such as sorcery, were spreading.

Imams could also be put in a vulnerable position if someone who turned to them for help became even more ill because they ignored doctors’ orders, Dr Al Mazroui said.

A possible fee for the service would also be a consideration.

“So I think this is important and good it was brought up, but more than one entity needs to be involved in this,” he said. “Then we can cooperate.”

But he said the authority encouraged people to use faith healing among their families.

Last week the Minister of Health, Dr Abdul Rahman Al Owais, said his ministry could only deal with scientific healing.

“We are not talking about treatment,” Mr Al Rahoomi replied. “The treatment is with the doctor, healing is from God. There is no contradiction between the two.”

He said allowing imams to practise faith healing would close the doors on sorcerers and charlatans.

But Dr Al Mazroui said imams should not be allowed to practise faith healing without a law to back them.

“If we allow imams, we are worried about the money and profit,” he said.

“I agree it is very important. I think it will need time to be studied and to set regulations.”

Marwan bin Ghalita (Dubai) urged Dr Al Mazroui to increase the number of locals working as imams. He said he could not recall the last time he prayed behind a local imam.

Dr Al Mazroui said on average 100 new mosques were built in the country every year. This meant demand for imams outstripped the number of Emiratis available.

Mr bin Ghalita said he would closely follow the situation.