Can Muslims Use VR Simulations to Develop Therapeutic and Counseling Skills?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

Is it permissible in the Hanafi school to participate in a virtual reality (VR) psychology training program that involves simulated conversations with computer-generated patients to develop therapeutic skills?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

It would be permissible to participate in this type of training to develop therapeutic skills, as long as the content is lawful and ethically appropriate, and your intentions are sincere, with the aim of professional development and helping others, without leading to any prohibited exposure or behavior.

The VR program uses simulated, computer-generated patients rather than real humans, thereby preventing unlawful interactions, such as inappropriate speech or closeness with non-mahram individuals.

Seek and Pray for Beneficial Knowledge

Pray to Allah Most High for beneficial knowledge. This way, Allah will guide and direct you in your work and counseling, Insha Allah.

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace would say:

“O Allah! Benefit me with that which You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me and increase me in knowledge (Allahumman fa‘ni bima ‘allamtani wa ‘allimni ma yanfa‘uni wa zidni ‘ilma).” [Tirmidhi; Ibn Maja]

Whenever possible, seek out Muslim therapists who are grounded in Islamic understanding, and remember that the field of Islamic psychology and psychiatry is expanding. Always consult local scholars for guidance.

And Allah knows best.

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

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Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Currently, he resides in the UK with his wife and is interested in reading and gardening.