If you’re a Muslim and you’re thinking about practicing as a massage therapist, the first question you need to ask is:
Is it Haram to be a massage therapist?
In this post, I’m going to answer that question and I’m also going to explain what this means to a non-muslim, too:
Contents
What Does ‘Haram’ Mean?
The word ‘haram’ is an Arabic word that means ‘forbidden’.
So, if something is haram, it means that it’s not allowed according to Islam.
Some examples of activities that are haram include :
- Drinking alcohol and certain foods like pork
- Certain actions like cursing, disrespecting parents, and more.
- Breaking the fast of Ramadan without a reasonable excuse
- Gambling
There are also some rules in regards to what a Muslim can see or touch on another person, which is where the complications arise when it comes to being a massage therapist.
Related – Should you massage a pulled muscle?
Is It Haram to Be a Massage Therapist?
The simple answer is no, it is not haram to be a massage therapist.
However, there are some caveats that need to be considered.
For example;
- It is not permissible for a male massage therapist to massage a woman and it’s not permissible for a female massage therapist to massage a man. The reason is that there is a chance of fitnah.
- It is not permissible for anyone to show their awrah (private parts), the only area of the body that should be uncovered is the area being massaged.
- There are certain areas of the body that cannot be touched or massaged, this is something a massage therapist should be familiar with.
There are also some other things to consider, I recommend speaking with an experienced Muslim massage therapist and I’m sure you’ll work with some during your training.
Can a Massage Break Your Fast?
This is a common question and the answer is no, a massage will not break your fast.
However, there are some things to keep in mind;
If you’re fasting and you receive a massage, it’s best if the area being massaged is covered so that you’re not tempted to look.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re fasting and you receive a massage, you should not eat anything immediately after.
This is because the body is in a relaxed state and it’s best to give it time to digest any food before you start moving around again.
Why It’s a Good Profession Being a Massage Therapist
Haram aside, I want to cover some of the reasons why it’s good to become a massage therapist:
- You can have a flexible working schedule and fit massages in around a busy lifestyle
- The training is affordable
- Being a massage therapist pays well
- It’s a career that keeps you fit and active
On the client-side, there are loads of benefits – here are just a few of them:
- It’s a great way to help people relax and de-stress
- It’s a great way to relieve pain in the body
- It’s a great way to improve circulation
- You can see that you make a real difference in people’s wellbeing
There are many other benefits, but these are some of the main ones.
Related – 10 benefits of being a massage therapist!
How Do You Know if You Would Be a Good Massage Therapist?
If you’re thinking about becoming a massage therapist, it’s important to ask yourself if you have the qualities that make a good one.
Some of the qualities that make a good massage therapist include:
- Empathy – You need to be able to understand how your clients are feeling and what they need from their massage.
- Patience – Massages can be slow and relaxing, or they can be short and to the point. Either way, you need to be able to remain patient with your clients.
- Physical Strength – You will be using your hands a lot as a massage therapist, so it’s important that you have good physical strength.
If you think you have what it takes to be a good massage therapist, then I encourage you to pursue it as a career.
There are many opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and provide a great service.
I hope this has helped to answer your question and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. As-salamu alaykum!
Header Photo by Atikah Akhtar on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.