A brother who was known for reciting the Quran a lot was struck with a mental disorder. Doctors said that his case is incurable. When we sought the advice of a Shaykh, he told us that our brother might have recited certain Quranic chapters that he was not permitted to recite or that he might have used a manner of recitation without observing its rules and without learning it through direct verbal contact with a Shaykh. What is your opinion on this?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The Noble Quran is the best way a Muslim can remember his Lord. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian.} [Quran 15:9]

Attaining assurance of the heart and peace of mind are among the greatest benefits of remembering and mentioning Allaah The Almighty for He Says (what means):

• {Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allaah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allaah hearts are assured."} [Quran 13:28]

• {And those who disbelieve say, "Why was the Quran not revealed to him all at once?" Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly.} [Quran 25:32]

These two verses indicate the fact that the Quran strengthens the heart and mind. In addition to this, the Muslim is permitted to recite any part of the Quran for Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {So recite what is easy [for you] of the Quran.} [Quran 73:20]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam , ordered Muslims to observe the recitation of the Quran because it will intercede on the Day of Judgment for those who used to recite it. [Muslim]

If we assume, for the sake of argument, that this person recited the Quran without observing the rules of the manner of recitation or without learning it through direct verbal contact with a Shaykh, and he did so out of seeking to learn the Quran not out of mockery to it, then how could this lead to his insanity when the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, mentioned that the skillful reciter of the Quran will be with the angels, and the one who recites it with difficulty will be granted double the reward (one for the recitation and one for the difficulty he faces)? [Ahmad] [Al-‘Arnaa’oot: Saheeh (Authentic)]

On the other hand, if this person recited the Quran for the sake of mockery and ridicule, he might receive a punishment in this life. It all depends on the will of Allaah The Almighty.

In brief, there is no relation between the sickness that this person is suffering from and the claims made by that Shaykh. Actually, we fear that this so-called Shaykh is only a soothsayer, who claims to have knowledge of the Unseen.

If doctors who are specialists in this field say that this case is incurable, then you should trust them. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {So ask the people of the message if you do not know.} [Quran 16:43] The term "people of the message" may apply to doctors in the case at hand.

However, this does not mean that there is no treatment at all for this case, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.} [Quran 17:82]

Moreover, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, mentioned that there is a cure for every disease, regardless of who perceives the cure and who does not. [Ahmad] [Al-Arnaa'oot: Saheeh (Authentic)]

Therefore, you should seek treatment for this person. May Allaah The Almighty cure him.

Allaah Knows best.