I Have Schizoaffective Disorder and Fear I Committed Shirk During Hajj, Is My Hajj Valid?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I have schizoaffective disorder and performed Hajj correctly, but during the rituals, I believed I was communicating with Muslim jinn and used eyelid movements for decisions. I later read that such practices may be shirk. Is my Hajj valid?
Answer
Your Hajj is valid if you performed the required rituals correctly. In Islam, actions like shirk (associating partners with Allah) are defined by clear intention and belief, not by involuntary or delusional thoughts resulting from mental health conditions.
Allah (Most High) says, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” [Quran, 2:286]
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said, “Allah has pardoned my Umma for mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are forced to do under compulsion.” [Ibn Maja]
Beliefs or practices arising from schizoaffective disorder, which may involve delusions or hallucinations, do not constitute shirk if they are not deliberate or voluntary. Mental health conditions affect perception, and Islam recognizes such challenges with compassion.
To address your concerns:
- Hajj Validity: If the rituals were performed as required, your Hajj is valid.
- Moving Forward: Seek help to manage your condition and consult trustworthy scholars if doubts arise. Avoid reading or engaging with material that causes unnecessary confusion or distress.
- Spiritual Healing: Regularly engage in acts of worship, recite the Quran, and make dua, asking Allah for clarity and peace of mind.
May Allah grant you ease, acceptance of your Hajj, and strength in your journey.
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
