Islamic faith healers condemn 'charlatans'

[Al-khiyal]

ABU DHABI -- Witch doctors have "soiled the image of Islam" by prescribing harmful treatments in the guise of faith healing, according to Muslim clerics and doctors who gathered in Abu Dhabi to affirm the healing powers of the Qur'an.

Islam "is not opposed to reason, science and modern technological developments," Ali Salem al-Kaabi, the head of Abu Dhabi's Family Development Foundation said at a conference last week, which drew doctors and religious clerics from across the Muslim world.

The conference "aims to expose erroneous ideas, correct misunderstandings and raise awareness about the (dangers) of sorcery and charlatanism," Kaabi said, warning that "charlatans seek to defraud the naive and superstitious."

Faith healing, particularly in the area of mental health, is widespread in the Muslim world, even among people in wealthy Gulf states who can afford world-class medical treatment.

In a bid to prevent future incidents, the conference proposed establishing institutes across the Muslim world that would train and certify doctors in both modern medicine and faith healing.

Sheikh Jallul Hajimi, an official in the Algerian ministry of religious affairs, said he had cured "Europeans suffering from mental and sexual illnesses that psychologists and neurologists had failed to treat."

"More than 400 people have converted to Islam after receiving Qur'anic medical treatments," added his colleague, Sheikh Abu Muslim Balhamr.

Many Muslims believe the Qur'an can cure illness.

The conference, the first of its kind, comes as part of a larger movement across the Muslim world aimed at showing harmony between Islam and modern medicine.

In December 2006, a top Malaysian university published a report claiming that the postures used during Muslim prayers benefit the heart and spine, while increasing the capacity for memory and attention.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the study affirmed the power of prayer in a person's life, the New Straits Times reported in December.

"The study investigates the physiological interactions and effects of the salat (prayer) postures on the human body," Abdullah said.

"Since the majority of our population are Muslims, it is both of interest and importance that we not only understand the spiritual benefits of salat, but also ... its biological and medical effects."

Abdullah, who champions a moderate form of Islam called Islam Hadhari, has been encouraging Muslims worldwide to give equal importance to education, science, technology and development alongside the spiritual aspects of the religion.

Islamic faith healers condemn 'charlatans'

[amalgamate]

Abdullah, who champions a moderate form of Islam called Islam Hadhari, has been encouraging Muslims worldwide to give equal importance to education, science, technology and development alongside the spiritual aspects of the religion.

Precisely!