Is hypnotherapy permitted in Islam?

The permissibility of hypnotherapy in Islam is a matter of debate among scholars. Some scholars consider it to be permissible as long as it is used for therapeutic purposes and does not involve any practices that are considered to be prohibited in Islam. Other scholars view hypnotherapy as being problematic because it may involve manipulating a person's thoughts and beliefs, which could potentially be considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. There is no explicit mention of hypnotherapy in the Qur'an or the hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), so it is not clear whether it is considered to be halal (permissible) or haram in Islam. Some scholars argue that hypnotherapy can be considered halal if it is used to treat physical or mental health conditions and does not involve any practices that are considered to be haram, such as engaging in unethical or immoral behavior or making decisions that go against Islamic values and principles. It is important to note that the permissibility of hypnotherapy in Islam may depend on the specific context and the specific use of hypnotherapy. It is always advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified Islamic scholar or religious authority when seeking guidance on matters related to Islamic law and practice. Some relevant references that may be helpful in understanding the debate among scholars on this issue include the following: "The Islamic Perspective on Psychotherapy and Counseling" by Muhammad Abu-Hannah and Muhammad Al-Hajj, which discusses the permissibility of various psychotherapeutic techniques in Islam, including hypnotherapy. "The Permissibility of Hypnotherapy in Islam" by M. Adil Khan, which discusses the various arguments for and against the permissibility of hypnotherapy in Islam. "The Use of Hypnotherapy in the Islamic World: A Review" by M. Adil Khan and J. M. O'Neill, which reviews the current state of research on the use of hypnotherapy in the Islamic world and discusses the potential ethical and legal issues that may arise in this context. "Islam and Psychotherapy: An Overview" by M. Adil Khan and A. M. Thaha, which provides an overview of the relationship between Islam and psychotherapy, including the permissibility of various psychotherapeutic techniques in Islam. It is important to note that these references are just a small sample of the available literature on this topic and do not necessarily represent the views of all scholars on the permissibility of hypnotherapy in Islam.