In recent years, self-hugging therapy has gained attention as a simple yet potentially effective method for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional distress. This therapeutic approach involves physically embracing oneself, often accompanied by mindful breathing or affirmations, to create a sense of safety and calm. While some proponents argue that self-hugging has deep psychological and even spiritual roots, others view it as a common-sense, experiential practice that can be integrated into daily life.
The Butterfly Hug and Other Interventions
One of the most well-known self-hugging techniques is the Butterfly Hug, developed by therapists working with trauma survivors. This method involves crossing one’s arms over the chest and gently tapping the shoulders, alternating left and right, to create a bilateral stimulation effect. The Butterfly Hug is often used in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.
While these techniques are widely promoted for their calming effects, it is important to approach them critically. Some proponents of self-hugging therapy claim that it has a scientific basis, citing its use in trauma therapy and its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. However, critics argue that the evidence supporting these claims is limited and that the benefits of self-hugging may be largely anecdotal. Moreover, some speakers and practitioners draw parallels between self-hugging and Quranic verses, such as the story of Musa (AS) in Surah Al-Qasas, to suggest that these practices are sound in a manner to show that Islamic teachings are valid in light of modern psychology! While such comparisons can be thought-provoking, they should be approached with caution to avoid overstating the connection between modern therapeutic techniques and divine revelation.
The Story of Musa (AS) and the Command to Calm Fear
Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Qasas:
“And draw your hand to your side to calm your fear.” (28:32)
In another verse, Allah says:
“And throw down your staff. ‘’But when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not look back. [Allah said:] ‘O Moses! Come forward and do not be afraid. Indeed, you are of those who are secure. Insert your hand into your garment, and it will come out white without disease. And draw your arm close to yourself to calm your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs.’’ (28:31-32)
These verses describe a moment when Musa (AS) was commanded by Allah to perform specific actions to calm his fear. Scholars have debated the meaning of these commands, with some interpreting them literally and others metaphorically.
Literal Interpretation
Some scholars, including Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, and Sayyid Qutb, argue that the command to “draw your arm close to yourself” should be understood literally. They suggest that Musa (AS) was instructed to physically place his hand on his body to calm his fear, much like how self-hugging therapy involves embracing oneself to create a sense of safety. This interpretation aligns with the idea that physical actions can have a direct impact on emotional states, a concept supported by modern psychology.
Among those who supported the literal meaning, there are different explanations:
– Ibn Jarir al-Tabari (also cited by Al-Baghawi and Al-Qurtubi) said: “Moses was told to place his hand on his body to remove the fear when he saw the snake.”
– Al-Baghawi and Al-Qurtubi: “When Moses saw his hand turn white, he was commanded to place it inside his garment to return it to its original state.”
– Al-Zamakhshari: “Moses instinctively tried to shield himself with his hand when he saw the snake. But he was commanded to put his hand under his arm instead, avoiding an act of fear while also demonstrating another miracle.”
– Ibn Kathir: “The command was general—whenever Moses felt fear, he was to place his hand on his body to ease his distress. Perhaps, if someone follows this practice out of faith, they may also find relief, insha’Allah.”
– Al-Maturidi: “The act symbolised Moses’ reverence before his Lord, as people naturally fold their hands before kings in humility.”
Figurative Interpretation
This view holds that “draw your arm close to yourself” means “compose yourself and control your fear”. It was endorsed by:
– Al-Baghawi, Al-Zamakhshari, Ibn ‘Atiyyah, and Al-Qurtubi.
– Ibn Ashur supported this opinion as well.
Al-Zamakhshari: “This is a metaphor from the behaviour of birds- when frightened, they spread their wings; when safe, they fold them.”
Ibn Ashur: “This phrase means: ‘Restrain yourself and do not let fear overtake you.’ It represents an instruction for courage in delivering the divine message.”
Linguistic and Comparative Analysis
– In Surah Al-Qasas, the verse says: “اسْلُكْ يَدَكَ فِي جَيْبِكَ” (“Insert your hand into your garment”).
– In Surah Ta-Ha, it states: “وَاضْمُمْ يَدَكَ إِلَى جَنَاحِكَ” (“Draw your hand to your side”).
– Both express the same idea- placing the hand inside the garment.
Al-Maturidi: “One verse explains the other—placing the hand into the garment is the same as bringing it close to the body.”
Al-Razi: “Bringing the hand close to the side means inserting it into the garment, as mentioned in the other verse.”
Al-Zamakhshari noted an interesting linguistic observation:
– In one verse, the hand is called the “wing” that is to be folded.
– In another, the hand is the object being folded into the wing.
– He explains that this means: “The right hand is metaphorically called a ‘wing,’ and the left hand (or side) is also called a ‘wing.’”
The term “جَنَاحَكَ” (janāḥaka, “your wing”) in the verse {And draw your wing close to yourself from fear} (Qur’an 28:32) refers to a person’s hand, metaphorically likened to the wings of a bird. This imagery is significant, as a bird’s wings serve a similar function to human hands- providing balance, protection, and movement. The word “رَهْب” (rahb) means “fear,” and the verse instructs Musa (AS) to calm his fear by drawing his hands close to his body.
So it could be that when Musa (AS) saw his staff turn into a serpent and instinctively recoiled in fear, Allah reassured him with the command to bring his hands back to his side or chest, symbolising safety and reassurance. This act of drawing the hands close to the body is seen as a way to alleviate fear and restore composure.
And it could be interpreted as a broader instruction for Musa (AS) to remain steadfast and confident in the face of fear. The imagery of folding one’s wings, like a bird at rest, serves as a metaphor for maintaining inner peace and resolve. This interpretation aligns with the Quranic emphasis on courage and trust in Allah, as seen in other verses where Musa (AS) is reassured: {Do not be afraid. Indeed, you will have the upper hand.} (20:68). It is akin to telling someone who is afraid to “stay calm”- not meaning to freeze physically but to maintain inner peace. Similarly, Musa (AS) is instructed to adopt the demeanour of a confident and assured messenger rather than a hesitant or anxious one.
This interpretation is further supported by the subsequent verse: {These are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs.} (28:32) This suggests that Musa (AS) should not be afraid, as he possesses undeniable divine proofs
Balancing Common Sense and Islamic Teachings
While self-hugging therapy and similar interventions may offer practical benefits, it is essential to evaluate them within the framework of Islamic teachings. Practices that are rooted in common sense and do not contradict Islamic principles can be accepted, provided they are not psychologically harmful or spiritually misleading nor contravene Islamic teachings.
Self-hugging therapy, when viewed as a simple, experiential approach to self-soothing, may fall into this category. It does not involve any elements of shirk (associating partners with Allah) or bid’ah (innovation in religious matters), and it aligns with the Quranic emphasis on seeking tranquillity and overcoming fear.
While the literal interpretation of the Quranic verses about Musa (AS) offers an intriguing connection to self-hugging therapy, the figurative and contextual interpretation- emphasising inner strength and composure- resonates more deeply with the Quranic message of reliance on Allah and overcoming fear through faith (iman). This perspective reinforces the idea that true tranquillity comes from spiritual resilience and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
