Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the consistent inability to get an erection or maintain it sufficiently for sexual intercourse. It is a common sexual dysfunction in men, affecting thousands of men worldwide, including those in predominantly Muslim countries.
Discover how Quranic healing practices and modern medical treatments can help men with erectile dysfunction. Learn about the prevalence of ED, its risk factors, and how faith and medicine can work together.
Erectile dysfunction [ED], often referred to as impotence, is the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for sexual satisfaction [1].
While it’s a biological condition, the root cause may also be down to a physiological one. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction varies among different populations, with risk factors including age, lifestyle choices and underlying health conditions.
A common cause of inability to maintain or achieve an erection in men is stress and psychological factors, but there are other ED risk factors, such as high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hormonal imbalances, coronary artery disease, obesity as well as injuries to the spinal cord of pelvic area [2].
Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction Among Men.
The prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men varies globally. Studies have shown that the prevalence rate increases with age and is influenced by various risk factors.
Several risk factors for ED are associated with its development, including [2]:
- Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penile area which has effects on erectile function.
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM): The duration of DM is linked to ED severity due to its effects on nerves and blood vessels.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): There is an association between erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease, as both involve vascular issues.
- Smoking: If you are a smoker, the duration of smoking is also an additional risk factor, affecting blood flow and vascular health.
- Obesity: A high body mass index (BMI) can lead to hormonal imbalances and vascular problems.
Sociologists observe that the phenomenon of erectile dysfunction in Arab men is influenced not only by medical factors but also by cultural norms. While the overall prevalence of ED among Arab men is at rates similar to the rest of the world, cultural expectations place a strong emphasis on male virility and fertility as foundational components of masculinity. In some Arab countries, the practice of polygamy may further drive men's desire to seek treatments for impotence, including anti-impotence and aphrodisiac drugs [3].
A 2012 study found that in the Arab world, Egypt was the second highest consumer of anti impotence drugs per capita, and Saudi Arabia was the highest [4].
The Arab Journal of Urology reported that close to 40% of young Saudi males had used herbal solutions or medication to address impotency issues at some point in their lives [5].
Shereen El Feki, an Egyptian-British journalist and author of Sex and the Citadel: Intimate Life in a Changing Arab World tells the BBC [6],
"Many men talked about the enormous pressure of being a man while women described ‘how men are not men anymore’.
"As what it means to be a man is under pressure and sexual potency is woven into the culture of masculinity, there is more stress on sexual performance.”
According to Al-Haaq, a publication aimed at bringing Islamic knowledge and information to Muslin faithful and non-Muslims alike [7], it has been cited that under Islam it is considered permissible for a person to make use of erectile dysfunction drugs if they suffer from impotence, as long as they are prescribed by a medical health professional and that ingredients are Halal and considered safe.
Historical Perceptions
While the use of medications for sexual needs might be considered a modern phenomenon in Arab societies, the consumption of aphrodisiacs has been part of popular culture throughout Arab history.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, an important 14th-century Islamic scholar and writer, included in his book series Provisions for the Hereafter a collection of herbal recipes aimed at enhancing sexual desire. This illustrates the longstanding interest in addressing sexual dysfunction and improving erectile function through natural remedies.
This idea is reflected during the period of the Ottoman Empire when writer Ahmed bin Suleiman wrote Sheikh's Return To Youth at the request of Sultan Selim I, who ruled from 1512 to 1520. The book was an encyclopaedia of medicines and herbal recipes to treat sexual diseases and stimulate male and female sexual desires.
Hundreds of years later, many young Arab men are still turning to remedies, and the market for them is diverse. The continued interest underscores the significance of addressing erectile dysfunction through both traditional and modern means.
Another article [8], states that Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi [9], Former President of the Islamic Society of North America says,
“It is permissible to use any medicine or special food items to increase the energy and strength in order to perform anything that is permissible according to the Shariah."
“However, the balance and moderation is the general rule in Islam. One should not become obsessed with this desire and should not be over occupied with it.
“Sex is a need and a pleasure, and it should be enjoyed in halal ways and with moderation”
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, said in the same article [8]: “As Muslims, we should not be obsessed by our own sexual desires, rather we should practice moderation.
“The best way is to be moderate in all things. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) always stressed moderation in all things during eating, sleeping, work, and sexual practices.
“Having said this, Islam encourages us to satisfy our sexual desires in a moderate way.
“If a person has a medical condition that prevents him/her from sexual fulfilment, then it is certainly permissible for him or her to seek medical treatment.
“But simply experimenting all kinds of medicine to be excessively sexual is not at all desirable in Islam; it may have dire consequences for our bodies because who knows what would be the reaction to such medication.
“When we upset the natural order of Allah the Almighty, we may end up suffering or paying for it.”
For Muslim men experiencing ED, seeking solace in the Quran can be comforting. The Quran provides spiritual guidance, and certain practices may help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are psychological risk factors in patients with ED.
The Quran offers spiritual guidance and support for individuals experiencing erectile dysfunction, as well as prayer as an alternative therapy [10].
Ruqyah and Spiritual Healing
Ruqyah involves reciting specific Quranic verses and supplications for healing. It is permissible and encouraged to seek Allah's help in overcoming health issues. Combining faith with action, such as seeking medical treatment, aligns with Islamic teachings.
The Quran advises reciting specific chapters such as Al-Baqarah, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas, along with the verse of Al-Kursi and the last verses of Al-Baqarah. Additionally, performing the required acts of worship and refraining from prohibited actions can enhance the effectiveness of Ruqyah.
Integrating both medical interventions and Quranic healing practices can provide a holistic approach to addressing erectile dysfunction. While Quranic healing addresses the spiritual aspect, modern medicine offers various therapies in the treatment of ED.
Mosh erectile dysfunction treatment plans come with ongoing consultations, so you can reach your health practitioner anytime via text, call, or video chat for updates regarding your treatment.
Our health practitioners will promptly provide you with science-backed answers once you consult them. Mosh health practitioners can handle many areas of concern, including acne, weight loss, hair loss, and erectile dysfunction, as well as address mental health concerns appropriately.
For our health practitioners to assess your situation, please fill out a quiz. One of our health practitioners will then reach out to you, and during your virtual consultation, your health practitioner will provide you with the right advice you've been looking for.
If needed, your health practitioner will recommend a personalised treatment plan just for you, which may involve the prescription of clinically proven medications.
You can also request a different Mosh health practitioner if you think another health practitioner will be a better match for you.
