Psychedelics & Islam: Shariah Perspectives Religious Experiences & Ethics - Talk and Q&A with Dr Haroon Asghar

Psychedelics are a burgeoning scientific and spiritual area of interest today. However, their relevance within religious frameworks has not been fully understood.

This talk explores the significance and relevance of psychedelics within an Islamic context — covering the legal and Sharia perspectives on psychoactive substances and assessing these findings in light of emerging neuroscientific data. Drawing upon primary Islamic texts, it will also consider how such medicines might be ethically and legally licensed within an Islamic framework. 

From a more spiritual lens, the mystical elements of psychedelic experiences, exploring the parallels between psychedelic with religious and meditative states. It will  investigate the links between psychedelic phenomenology with imaginal realms described in Islam, and the correlates between psychedelic entity encounters and Islamic demonology.

This presentation forms part of Dr. Haroon Asghar’s ongoing academic work, published in Theology and Science (Routledge).

The talk will end with a  discussion to share perspectives and ask questions. 

About Dr Haroon Asghar

Dr. Haroon Asghar qualified as a medical doctor MBBS from Barts & The London, University of London in 2009, before working at UCLH. He later studied Arabic language in Alexandria, Egypt. He joined the British Army and qualified as an Intelligence Operator (OPMI3) before transferring to G Coy Scots Guards, where he remained until October 2025. He completed GP training at The Royal Free Hospital in 2022 and works as a GP in London and Reading. 

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