MUIS’ approach towards spiritual healing services

Response to parliamentary question on spiritual healing services and inclusion of these services under the Islamic Education Centres and Providers (IECP) framework

Question

Dr Wan Rizal: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge for Muslim Affairs (a) what is the approach taken by MUIS towards individuals providing spiritual healing services beyond religious teachings that may contradict conventional Islamic beliefs; and (b) whether there are plans to include these services under the current Islamic Education Centres and Providers (IECP) framework.

Response

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs & Minister for Social and Family Development:

1. Muis takes a very serious view on matters where individuals purport to offer spiritual healing services in the name of Islam, but in fact contradict Islamic principles. Such individuals mislead and confuse the community. Where Muis is alerted to such individuals and their practices, Muis will launch a thorough investigation. In previous cases, Muis counselled these individuals and directed them to stop their practices where they were contrary to religious principles.
2. The community should seek religious guidance only from credible sources and asatizah accredited under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS).
3. The Islamic Education Centres and Providers (IECP) framework governs Muslim religious schools in Singapore. Muis currently has no plans to extend the IECP framework to spiritual healing services.