Question:
Assalamualaikum Dato’ Seri Mufti. What is the ruling of taking mind pills which are available on the market nowadays? Hope for an explanation. Thank you.
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wrt. wbt.
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the many countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
In Islam we are commanded to strive in order to achieve our dreams and ambitions. There are no short cuts in achieving success without hard work and determination. Allah SWT state:
إِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
Surah al-Ra’ad (11)
Intelligence and acuity in certain knowledge are gained through learning. Certain knowledge is not inherited unless through studying and learning. In a hadith narrated by Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan RA, he heard the Prophet PBUH said:
إِنَّما العلمُ بِالتَّعَلُّمِ
“Indeed, knowledge is attained through learning,”
Narrated by al-Baihaqi (252)
Citing a newspaper article, according to Dr Jamnul Azhar, scientifically, minds foods do not directly affect the intelligence of someone but rather change and improve body function. Taking these types of pills is a form of food supplement that helps the human body to function better. [1]
Answering the issue, the usage or consumption of mind pills is permissible. The reason is, it is included as permissible worldly matters where there is no evidence that prohibits or restricts it. This is in accordance with an Islamic legal maxim by Imam al-Suyuthi that states:
الأَصْلُ فِي الأَشْيَاءِ الإباحَة حَتَّى يَدُل الدَّلِيل عَلَى التَّحْرِيمِ
“The original ruling of something is its permissibility unless there is any evidence that prohibits it.” (al-Asybaah wa al-Nazhair,1/133)
Conclusion
In this issue, we are inclined to state that the consumption of mind pills which are scientifically proven to be effective is permissible as long as it does not contain any prohibited ingredients stated by syarak. However, the concept of delivering information used in marketing activities should be clear and honest and do not manipulate real facts regarding the genius pill. The same applies to the naming of the product, it should be in line with this concept and not only for marketing purposes. This is so that consumers will not be confused in receiving and understanding the information given. Be honest in everything, surely there will blessings in the future.
Hopefully, with this explanation, it will open our minds and give us understanding in living in accordance with the real commandments of Islam. Amin.
Endnotes:
[1] See Akhbar Sinar Harian dated 2 April 2019, under the title “Mujarabkah pil genius? (Do genius pills work?)”