Question:-
There is an Amber bead necklace being sold to help with the teething of babies. We believe that it assists in alleviating pain. Is it permissible to place it around the baby’s neck to help with teething?
Answer:-
In regards to the amber bead necklace, Baltic amber is acquired from an area close to the Baltic Sea (which is part of the Atlantic ocean). According to the internet, the succinic acid from the amber assists in alleviating dental pain, arthritic joint pain, swelling, inflammation etc. However, some researchers state that there is no evidence to suggest that succinic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, hence, the matter is debatable.
There is no harm in using the necklace for a teething child in terms of Shariah, with the proviso that one holds the belief that Allah Ta’ala alone is the One that cures illnesses and alleviates pain. If there is a fear of one’s belief being corrupted (as one may start believing that the necklace in itself is effective in relieving pain), then in such an instance one should refrain from utilising such a necklace and rather opt for baby teething powders and other Halaal medication that is available on the market.
الاشتغال بالتدواوي لا باس به (عالمكيري ص354 ج5)
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 06 Dhul Qa’dah 1443 / 07 June 2022
