Claiming that what is done in the name of exorcism is a calamity which is common within Maldives, won’t be a lie. In the Maldivian language, exorcism means writings on plates and talismans, chanting of incantations or things like this done for certain purposes. This means from the time of our ancestors, types of magic such as magic of separation and magic of love which they have been practicing for ages, are also included as exorcism in the Maldivian language. Exorcism is known as having shirk in it. For ages, it is popular in the Maldives in the same meaning. Not without a reason, but due to the lack of knowledge. Not having the knowledge of its permissibility and impermissibility and the truth about magic. Consequently, the society is now corrupted in it, drowning in shirk (disbelief in Allah) and due to this calamities are common in this society. It is no doubt that the scholars must be responsible for this. The reason is that, while they are debating about minor issues of the religion, they have left behind the bigger and more important issues. Before they start demonstrating how to perform a certain act of worship; speaking about how to adhere to Islam, what makes a person go beyond the fold of Islam, what Shirk is (Polytheism) and what tawheed is (Islamic Monotheism) are more essential for a person to know because we can only worship Allah by being steadfast in our religion. It is of no use to perform an act of worship in Islam by being out of the fold of Islam. In addition to that, polytheism is the main cause of calamities. Is it a false statement if one claims that a person is easily fallen into polytheism due to engaging in sorcery? The magicians practice magic due to the deception of the Satan, cooperating with the Satan and receiving its assistance. While Maldives is corrupted in it, the scholars have not explained these matters in an organized fashion. They always discuss about how huge the differences of thinking about minor issues of the religion are. Although they are also important issues.
What is Exorcism?
In the Arabic language, “Ruqya” has the same meaning as “Exorcism (Fanditha)” in the Maldivian language. To be steadfast in the religion Islam, it is obligatory for each Maldivian individual to be aware of the explanation of its definition.
Mainly, Ruqya can be defined as chanting of incantations or something similar to this act, as a treatment of a disease, to save someone who is afflicted with a calamity or to succeed in a matter. In this particular perspective of the definition, it can be said that magic can also be included in the name of Ruqya. Emphasizing on the categories of Ruqya, they are defined as:
- Ruqya Shar’iyya (Permissible Exorcism): Ruqya with the exclusion of using Quran, Names/Qualities of Allah and polytheism in any form of prohibited act. In addition to that, the use of supplications and words of the Messenger of Allah derived from the hadith, without any form of polytheism can be defined as Permissible Ruqya. These types of Ruqya are from the Sunnah and is permissible and it is highly recommended as a Ruqya.
- Ruqya Shirkiyya (Exorcism including polytheism in it): Chanting with the assistance of Shaytan, soothsaying, palm reading, chanted incantations, chanting songs, drawing grids, engaging in such unlawful acts by mixing Quran with satanic works or actions. Such Ruqya is considered as an act of polytheism and sorcery which is forbidden Ruqya.
- Magic: Some people practice magic for treating illnesses and for other purposes while others cooperate directly with the Satan or by soothsaying via a possessed person’s body to invalidate magic by using magic. Moreover, this is an act of polytheism. Generally, magic is practiced to harm others. Cheating, illusions and showing magic tricks to people are also included in this category.
- Creating one’s own Ruqya without evidence from the Sunnah: This type of Ruqya is considered permissible if it does not contain any form of disbelief in Allah and without engaging in unlawful acts. This also goes under the category of “Ruqya Shar’iyya(Permissible Exorcism)”.
In conclusion, if the Ruqya does not contain any form of disbelief in Allah and unlawful acts, such Ruqya can be considered permissible. However, this vast topic is narrowed down by some people. Consequently, people affected by magic becomes hopeless and at last they go to soothsayers for consultation or even without knowing, they seek assistance from magicians. Drowning into polytheism without knowledge.
To be continued…
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