Is Tying Herbs to the Body for Healing Permitted in Islam?

Understanding the Ruling on Using Amulets and Charms for Treatment

Question: What is the ruling on tying an herb to the body as a treatment for an illness? One disease called ‘Sokandhua’ causes children to become emaciated, and in rural areas, tying a “Khar” (herb) around a child’s neck, hand, or back cures the disease within a few days.

Answer: Tying something with the belief that it will cure the disease and heal the person falls under the category of Tamimah (amulet), as it shares the same characteristics as Tamimah. Since Tamimah is considered an act of shirk (polytheism), this practice will also be considered shirk for the same reason. Therefore, such practices should be avoided, and one should rely on permissible treatments to cure the illness.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail

Author: IslamicHelper