Islam and Psychedelics: An Essay on the Issues of Permissibility and Medical Utility
Theology and Science March 20, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/14746700.2025.2472125 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Law |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that classic psychedelic medicines do not constitute the characteristics of intoxicants under Islamic law, based on differences in behavior, neuroimaging, and phenomenology. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Islamic rulings on intoxicants prohibit psychoactive compounds which : veil the faculties of the mind (khamr), intoxicate (Sakr), do harm and cause enmity between people (Quran 5:91). Psychedelic drugs, recognised by some as not being within this category of intoxicants [Ibn Taymiyyah on Henbane alFataawa al-Kubra, 3/423], are still deemed intoxicants by both the Muslim world and general society. This paper demonstrates that classic psychedelic medicines do not constitute the characteristics of intoxicants. It does so by observing the following characteristics of subjects taking both types of substances: Behaviour of subjects Neuroimaging and psychopharmacology Phenomenology of the Subjects i.e. the conscious experience produced.