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I am a Muslim woman. How can I make sure I receive the right massage?
In the Muslim faith, massage is viewed as a therapeutic treatment and so it is not specifically forbidden in the Qu'ran. However, it is usually expected that a massage for a woman will be done by a woman and a massage for a man be done by a man. So you may like to call the spa in advance and specify that you must have a female therapist.
Massage oils that are extracted from plants, flowers and nuts are halal (allowed). However, those which contain animal extracts are haram (forbidden). So it's worth checking exactly what is in the massage oil that your therapist intends to use, as some brands may contain animal-extract ingredients. Pork, for example, in the form of glycerine, keratin, collagen or tallow, is frequently used in cosmetics.
We spoke with Vicky Gaughan, the Principal of the Sheffield Centre for Massage Training, who organises a Muslim women's massage course, to find out more.
"Giving or receiving massage is seen as a healing experience for many Muslims," says Vicky. "For some women, when they have their period, they'd prefer not to be massaged; for others, that isn't a problem. We always use almond oil so there was never any question over whether the oil was halal or not."
Arwa Harvard studied with Vicky and told us that, "It does depend on how strict you are, as a Muslim. I like to follow the word, but to me, a massage is a medicine. In massage class, we keep everything covered with towels, except that part of the body that is receiving treatment. I only use vegetarian oils."
So, again, call ahead to the spa and make sure your treatment will involve only vegetarian products, to put your mind at rest.
See also:
* Will I be able to have a female masseuse?
* Will I have to undress completely when I'm having a treatment?
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