Exorcism is not a profession, says Justice Minister

TDT | MANAMA

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf, His Excellency Nawaf Al-Maawda, clarified that Islamic exorcism, known as Ruqyah, is not a profession to be pursued as one might trade or profession.

Rather, it is an expression of devout faith, a personal endeavor to fortify one’s spiritual resilience through devout reflection upon the Almighty.

Consequently, there is no mandatory requirement for officially designated specialists in Islamic exorcism, nor should it be confined to a select few, thereby denying others.

The minister’s statement was in response to an enquiry from Shura Council Member Shaikh Jawad Abdulla Husain regarding the establishment of regulations for the practice of Islamic exorcism by experts in Islamic law under the supervision of the ministry, with the intent being to bridge any legislative lacunae and protect citizens.

Al-Maawda explained that Islamic exorcism is sanctioned according to the teachings of the Prophet.

Scholars have explicated three cardinal tenets of Ruqyah: firstly, it must encompass the recitation of the Divine words and the authentic sayings of the Prophet; secondly, it may include additional supplications, provided they are congruent with the tenets of Islam; and thirdly, it is vital to understand that Islamic exorcism depends on the will of Allah and not merely its own virtue.

Thus, it is but one avenue to seek spiritual succour whilst also giving due consideration to medical intervention, the pursuit of virtuous deeds, and avoiding harm.

The minister emphasized that Bahrain’s legal edifice and its statutes are resolutely committed to the eradication of any misrepresentation of Ruqyah.

The law is unequivocal in its combating of malpractices and deters those who attempt to exploit it for nefarious ends, particularly if the practices involve acts of magic, sorcery, or divination.

These actions are criminalized by law, irrespective of any purported link to Ruqyah. Equally, fraudulent or duplicitous claims are adjudged as fraud, and the relevant authorities are endowed with the requisite mechanisms to adjudicate such matters.

The legal maxims and penal codes stand firm to confront, proscribe, and exact retribution for such transgressions.

Reported by - Mohammed Darwish