Assalamu-alaikum,
Just wanted to add to this thread, as I have had some personal experience in this.
There are different types of hypnosis - and while I am not versed on all the different methods, the thought that comes to many peoples minds when speaking about this topic is that which has been fed to us in the media:
e.g TV shows demonstrating a person going into a 'trance-like' state by the hypnotiser - often appearing to have no control over his/ her speech or actions.
These types are impermissible as the person has handed 'control' of his mind to another entity - possibly a jinn/ something that belongs to the world of the unseen.
The other reasons as to why this is prohibited has been explained in the link provided by bro Scimi.
However, there are techniques of enabling a person to enter a deep, relaxed 'sleep-like' state - under which the practioner would use positive re-inforcing messages to treat a certain ailment.
The level of relaxation that one enters is completely individual - e.g. some may fall asleep while others remain completely awake throughout the session - but in a more relaxed frame of mind.
At any point in time, the person is able to open his eyes and leave the room.
There is no loss in contol of ones higher faculties, no matter how relaxed a state you may reach.
I personally have undergone 'hypnosis', some years back (in the manner described above) for insomnia.
Possibly due to work-related stress, broken sleeping patterns due to late-night calls and 28hr+ shifts, my sleep-cycle was disrupted to a point that I couldnt fall asleep, no matter how tired I was feeling. There were days of being awake for 48+hrs, still trying to function at work and at home, but not being able to fall asleep.
I had tried everything, read zikr continously at night, etc but my mind was so 'stressed' at the thought of not falling asleep......that it ends up becoming a vicious, endless cycle. I didnt want to become dependant on sleeping pills, and so hypnosis offered the best, natural way to 'break' the psychological barriers that I had created with regards to sleeping.
Alhamdullillah - after one session (where I was completely awake, but in a relaxed and calmer state), and thereafter listening to a CD with re-inforcing messages at bedtime, for the next month - my insomnia is now something that belongs in my past.
(and so are my erratic sleeping hours - Alhamdullillah)
So, yes hypnosis via these methods are considered permissible from an Islamic point of view, as discussed here:
Question
Could you please clarify whether hypnosis is permissible for weight loss purposes? There are CDs that one can use at home to help with controlling yourself from bingeing, eating sweet/junk foods and to eat healthy meals instead of going for the refined foods.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
If the techniques used in hypnosis do not consist of any elements which are impermissible in Shari’ah then hypnosis will be permissible.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mawlana Ali bin Cassim
Student Darul Iftaa
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net
Question
Can a Muslim go for hypnosis to try and stop smoking? If yes, can a Muslim go to a non Muslim Hypnotist as I am not aware of any Muslim hypnotists?
Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh
Smoking is prohibited. One should try his level best to quit this evil habit. It is permissible to use hypnosis to aid one to quit smoking. One may go to a non-Muslim hypnotist on the condition one is not made to do anything which is contrary to Shariah.
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah
http://www.askimam.org/public/question_detail/15342
Hope this brings more clarity to this topic, insha Allah.
:wa: