Therapeutic Effects of Islamic Intercessory Prayer on Warts

J Relig Health. 2017 Dec;56(6):2053-2060. doi: 10.1007/s10943-014-9837-z.

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of Islamic intercessory prayer on warts. Forty-five participants who are mostly Muslims and infected with warts were randomized into three groups: Group-1 (uncertain, with intercessory prayer), Group-2 (uncertain, no intercessory prayer), and control group (informed, no intervention). Stress symptoms were also measured before and after prayer sessions for these three groups. The results revealed that there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of healing. Although participants believed in the therapeutic effects of prayer, when participants did not trust the intercessor, prayer had no effect on warts.

Keywords: Intercessory prayer; Stress; Trust in intercessor; Warts.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Faith Healing / methods*
  • Faith Healing / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Islam / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Warts / psychology*
  • Warts / therapy*
  • Young Adult