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The Position of Islam on Scientology

13 October, 2020
Q What is the position of Islam on Scientology? Can a Muslim become a Scientologist?

Answer

Short Answer:

  • To begin, in principle, the relation of the Muslim with those of other faith traditions is founded on mutual respect and understanding.
  • Secondly, the Quran and hadith specifically state that there is no compromise on Islamic creed.
  • Thirdly, the Quran emphasizes that there is no secrecy in the teachings and acts of worship in Islam.
  • Lastly, the Quran states that there should be no monetization of the teachings and acts of worship in Islam accordingly.
  • Accordingly, in addition to the evident fact that a Muslim does not need to join Scientology, it is not permissible for a Muslim to become a Scientologist.

………….

Before presenting the stance of Islam on Scientology, I need to be highlight several facts to clarify the under-structure. 

Respect for Humans of All Faiths

To begin, in principle, the relation of the Muslim with those of other faith traditions is founded on mutual respect and understanding.

“O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Quran 49:13.)

“O believers! Do not insult what they invoke besides Allah or they will insult Allah spitefully out of ignorance. This is how We have made each people’s deeds appealing to them. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them of what they used to do.” (Quran 6:108.)

Insulting false deities and their worshippers is forbidden regardless of the result that such conduct may lead to. 

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No Compromise on Islamic Creed

Secondly, the Quran and hadith specifically state that there is no compromise on Islamic creed:

“Certainly, Allah’s only Way is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture did not dispute ‘among themselves’ out of mutual envy until knowledge came to them. Whoever denies Allah’s signs, then surely Allah is swift in reckoning.” (Quran 3:19.)

“If one seeks a faith other than Islam, it will never be accepted from them, and in the Hereafter they will be among the losers.” (Quran 3:85.)

“Today I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your way.” (Quran 5:3.)

Jabir said that when ‘Umar came to the Prophet saying, “We hear from Jews traditions which charm us, so do you think we should write down some of them ?” he replied, “Are you in a state of confusion as the Jews and the Christians were? I have brought them to you white and pure, and if Moses were alive he would feel it absolutely necessary to follow me.” (Ahmad and Shu’ab Al-Iman.)

No Secrecy in the Teachings and Acts of Worship in Islam

Thirdly, the Quran emphasizes that there is no secrecy in the teachings and acts of worship in Islam. This is set out in the following verses:

Say, O Prophet, “This is my way. I invite to Allah based on clear and sure knowledge —I and those who follow me. Glory be to Allah, and I am not one of the polytheists.” (Quran 12:108.)

“Proclaim publicly what you are commanded to and turn away from those who ascribe partners to Allah.”(Quran 15:94.)

“Let there be no compulsion in religion, for the truth stands out clearly from falsehood.” (Quran 2:256.)

No Monetization of the Teachings and Acts of Worship in Islam

Lastly, the Quran states that there should be no monetization of the teachings and acts of worship in Islam accordingly:

Say, O Prophet, “I ask no reward of you for this guidance—it is a reminder to the whole world.” (Quran 6:90.)

“Follow those who do not ask you for any payment; they are rightly guided.” (Quran 36:21.)

“Or are you ‘O Prophet’ asking them for a reward for the message so that they are overburdened by debt?” (Quran 52:40.)

The Islamic Ruling on Joining Scientology

Accordingly, in addition to the evident fact that a Muslim does not need to join Scientology, it is not permissible for a Muslim to become a Scientologist.

Applying Scientology the Practice of Auditing for Psychological Benefit

Auditing is a process whereby the auditor takes an individual through times in their current or past lives to rid the individual of negative influences from past events or behaviors. 

In Islam, auditing is only permissible if it is a medically established and scientifically proven benefit. Noteworthy, a Muslim must ensure that their privacy is maintained and their money spent rationally.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The word of wisdom is the lost property of the believer. Wherever he finds it, he is most deserving of it.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2687.)

“Surely those who misuse their wealth are following Satan in the same way that Satan proved to be ungrateful to his Sustainer.” (Quran 17:27.)

Abu Barzah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Man’s feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about his life, how did he consume it, his knowledge, what did he do with it, his wealth, how did he earn it and how did he dispose of it, and about his body, how did he wear it out.” [At-Tirmidhi.]

Cooperating with Scientology Affiliated Entities for Charitable and Philanthropic Causes

The directives of the Noble Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, as well as the practices of his rightly-guided caliphs, indicate that Islam aims to open the door to cooperation with all based on benevolence, righteousness, peace, and security for all.

Muslims are urged to partake in such cooperation with any individual, state or community who seeks it. Additionally, Muslims are prohibited to be part of any cooperation that is based on or would lead to injustice, oppression, or violence. In this respect, Allah the Almighty says:

Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is severe in punishment. (Quran 5:2.)

“As for non-Muslims who do not fight you on account of your faith, or drive you forth from your homelands, Allah does not forbid you to show them birr (kindness, love, and respect) and to deal with them with equity, for Allah loves those who act equitably.” (Quran 60:8.)

And Allah knows best.

I hope this helps.

Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.

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About Hossam Ed-Deen Allam
Hosam Ed-Deen Allam holds an MA of Diplomacy and Religion with Distinction from the Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Religion at Lancaster University in the UK. His main research area concerns Faith-based Diplomacy, Conflict Transformation, De-sectarianisation, and Peacebuilding. In parallel, Allam works as a member of Al-Azhar Fatwa Global Centre in addition to serving as a lecturer of the sources of Islamic jurisprudence at the Faculty of Sharia and Law at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Hossam Ed-Deen is a Graduate of Al-Azhar University in Cairo from the Faculty of Shari’ah and Law in English. He has served as a lecturer of Islamic jurisprudence and its principles at the renowned Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo and has served as a religious leader in a number of communities in North America including NYC. Through his years of community work, he has provided training and guidance to government departments along with developing educational projects and community centers.