The Factors Associated With Islamic Healing Use In Cancer Patients: Malaysian perspective

Abstract

In Malaysia, the incidence of cancer continues to increase.  Cancer patients use a variety of non conventional methods to influence their health, well- being and quality of life. Muslim cancer patient in Malaysia is frequently consult Islamic healers who have practice Islamic healing as a choice of treatment. Islamic healing is a modality that uses verses of the Quran or supplications of Prophet Muhammad SAW for healing purposes.  Although the use of Islamic healing is becoming widespread, we still lack knowledge of the reasons why people seek Islamic healing and their commitment towards Islamic healing treatment. Therefore, to determine these factors, the study was proposed to look into the relationship between the socio-demographic, sources of information are being used, the motives and rationale for utilising an Islamic healing, and the level of commitments towards Islamic healing treatment in term of visit, cost and treatment dedication. A quantitative, cross-sectional and purposive study using validated questionnaires was done to 317 respondents across of Peninsular Malaysia between June 2013 and November 2013. The majority of the respondents were female (84.9%), married (82.3%), most common site of cancer were breast (60.9%), and stage of cancer was at stage three (34.7%). Sources of information about Islamic healing were mainly from electronic media, books, magazines, family and friends. There was very minimal information about Islamic healing treatment provided by healthcare personnel (doctors and nurses). The most common motives/ rationales by respondents when seeking Islamic healing were because the belief and religiosity, credibility of the healers, dissatisfaction with conventional system, recommendation by family and friends, family sanction, and economic factors such as cost and accessibility to Islamic healer. Mostly the respondents have a moderate to high level of commitment towards Islamic healing practise and treatment. The cost spent for every visit was very low and affordable. All respondents want to continue with Islamic healing treatment as an effort to help them to connect with and experience their whole self, including their relationship to the Divine as they believed that for Muslims, the Quran itself is considered one of the most powerful healing sources and is the best of all medicines available to humankind. The findings of this study have found out the implication on practices and treatment policies accordingly. More research is needed to further inform the development of Islamic healing services for people with cancer, the treatment policies and the impact of differences in Islamic healing treatment.

Keywords: Islamic healing, cancer, commitment