ABSTRACT
The spiritual interventions in the treatment of the harmful influences of the evil eye, Jinn possession and witchcraft include seeking refuge in Allah, prayers, supplications, Ruqyah and charity. There is also the use of cupping and the use of Senna as part of the complementary therapy derived from the Prophetic Islamic medicine. The modes of therapeutic interventions most frequently prescribed by the faith healers include Ruqyah, Hadiths, regular performance of prayers, physical punishment, temporary strangulation, cautery, Saaout (snuff – inhalation of a herb powder), local application of a paste made of different types of herbs, drinking water mixed with herbs, water mixed with paper with written Qur’anic verses, and local application of oil and drinking some oils. In the event that an individual is afflicted by the evil eye but is unaware who put the evil eye on a him/her, the recommended spiritual interventions as prescribed by the Shari’ah (Islamic Jurisprudence) are reciting Ruqyah and Dhikr. However, the one who had put the evil eye on another would be ordered to do ablution, then the one who had been struck by the evil eye would wash with it (that water). The practice of Cupping (Hijama) forms an integral part of Islamic Prophetic Medicine and is used as complementary interventions for those afflicted with Sihr (witchcraft). The patient who is possesses or is afflicted with witchcraft, should fear Allah, put his trust in Him, exercise patience and continue to make supplications. There are certain provisos and procedures that faith healers and those receiving the spiritual interventions should adhere to for an effective outcome of the therapeutic, spiritual intervention. There are many traditional-cultural practices amongst the Muslim communities in the use of charms, beads, amulets, bracelets and necklaces adorned with blue beads, Ta’weez [amulet] in the protection and treatment of Jinn possession, magic or witchcraft. This is not acceptable in Islamic beliefs and practices.
