Question :
What is the ruling on practicing "chiropractic", which is spinal adjustment, by non-specialists?
The Answer :
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Practicing medicine and treatment is considered one of the most critical professions due to its direct relation to human health and life. Therefore, it is not permissible to be negligent in practicing it or to take its requirements lightly.
It is prohibited to work in this field without a certificate demonstrating the practitioner's competence or with a certificate not recognized by the authorities responsible for regulating the profession. Practicing medicine without proper qualification and licensing is considered an act of deception and fraud, as it can lead to harm to bodies and endanger lives. Those who practice medicine and treatment must be conscious of Allah The Almighty regarding their patients and honor the sanctity of human life, which Allah has commanded to preserve, by maintaining excellence, sincerity, and offering genuine advice.
As for practicing this profession without a recognized certificate, it is considered deception and a clear sin. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever cheats is not one of us." [Moslim].
In this regard, it is required to guarantee any harm resulting from practicing medicine and treatment due to negligence, lack of qualification, or lack of proper licensing. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Whoever practices medicine without being known to be skilled in it, is liable for compensation." [Abu Dawood].Al-Imam Al-Munawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Whoever practices medicine and is not known for it": meaning, whoever engages in medicine without prior experience, such as someone who is not qualified, is responsible for any harm caused to the patient, even paying Diya (Blood money) if the patient dies as a result of the treatment. However, someone who has prior experience and has gained knowledge from qualified sources is not liable, as long as they make every effort to help. Al-Imam Al-Khattabi said: "I am not aware of any difference of opinion that the practitioner is liable to compensate if they cause harm to the patient, but this compensation is in the form of Diya, not Qisas (retaliation)." [Fayd Al-Qadeer/Vol.6/P.106].
In conclusion, it is prohibited to practice medicine and treatment without proper licensing and qualification. Any harm that occurs as a result of this violation must be compensated by the violator. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.