Written By Lisa Murimi
In a distressing exposé by the BBC, a deeply concerning pattern of sexual exploitation has been uncovered among spiritual healers in Sudan.
The investigation sheds light on a troubling practice that has left vulnerable women at the mercy of those who were meant to provide solace and guidance.
Spiritual healing, also known as “Quranic healing”, is a popular practice in the Arab and Muslim world. It is mostly women who visit healers – believing that they can solve problems and cure illness by expelling evil spirits known as “jinn”.
Testimonies gathered by the BBC from 85 women, over a period of more than a year, named 65 so-called healers in Morocco and Sudan – two countries where such practices are particularly popular – with accusations ranging from harassment to rape.
One Sudanese healer who was named by the investigation as Sheikh Ibrahim was mentioned by three women.
An undercover reporter went to investigate but fled the scene after he attempted to inappropriately touch her. He stated that she “was really shaken by him,” and that “he had a worrying look about him.”
In a later interview with the BBC the Sheikh denied the allegations of sexual harassment and assault, as well as what happened between the reporter and himself.
In a separate incident in Morocco, a woman under the pseudonym Dalal said she was raped by a spiritual healer after seeking help for depression. She claimed she was drugged by the healer who asked her to smell a scent resulting in a loss of consciousness.
After waking up she realised she had been raped, with the healer claiming the assault was to “make the jinn leave [her] body.” Her subsequent pregnancy was blamed on the jinn by the healer. She later gave up the baby for adoption.
The report reveals a disheartening misuse of trust, as some spiritual healers exploit their positions of influence to take advantage of women seeking spiritual assistance.
These healers, who are traditionally revered figures in Sudanese society, have been found to engage in acts of sexual abuse, manipulating the vulnerability of their clients for their own reprehensible ends.
The revelations have sparked outrage and calls for accountability, both within Sudan and across the international community.
Efforts to address this issue include demands for stronger regulations, increased awareness campaigns, and the empowerment of women to come forward and report abuses.
As Sudan grapples with this distressing revelation, it is a critical moment for society to come together, confront these deeply ingrained issues, and work towards a future where spiritual guidance is synonymous with compassion, respect, and genuine healing.
In Morocco, Ahmed Toufiq, the minister of Islamic Affairs, said that “the solution lies in religious education and preaching,” rather than government legislation regulating the practice of healing.
