Hüseyin ÇAKSEN
ABSTRACT :
Ruqyah is an Islamic spiritual healing practice based on the recitation of the Quran, supplications (du’a), and remembrance of Allah, and is recognized as a form of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM). The use of T&CM has become increasingly common in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders, reflecting growing interest in holistic and culturally sensitive healthcare approaches. This narrative review examines the historical foundations, religious basis, principles, and contemporary applications of ruqyah in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders. Evidence from the published literature indicates that ruqyah has been used as an adjunctive intervention for a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, sleep disorders, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Systematic reviews suggest that Quran recitation and related spiritual interventions may reduce anxiety, improve psychological well-being, and enhance coping and quality of life, although the quality and consistency of the available evidence remain variable. Clinical reports also describe beneficial psychological and spiritual outcomes when ruqyah is combined with conventional medical treatment. Given its cultural acceptability, low cost, and widespread use, ruqyah may represent a valuable complementary approach in neuropsychiatric care, particularly among Muslim populations. However, robust observational studies, qualitative research, and well-designed randomized controlled trials involving diverse sociocultural and religious populations are needed to establish its effectiveness, safety, mechanisms of action, and role within evidence-based neuropsychiatric practice.
Keywords: Ruqyah, traditional and complementary medicine, neuropsychiatric disorders, mental health.