Interrogating the devil? Moroccan article questions legitimacy of some Islamic spiritual healers

A growing trend among some religious healers involves claiming to "interrogate the devil" and compel demons to answer questions, a practice that raises serious concerns about its legitimacy. The author highlights a viral social media clip featuring a healer confidently discussing this method, presented as part of authentic Islamic spiritual healing. This claim is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of assertions by some who practice Ruqyah, including communicating with jinn and diagnosing illnesses through unverified narratives. The central question posed is whether these practices align with Islamic teachings or represent a new form of superstition cloaked in religion.

The article draws a clear distinction between genuine Ruqyah, which involves reciting the Quran, supplications, and praying to God for healing, and the superstitious claims that have become attached to it. True Ruqyah is presented as an act of worship and reliance on God, not a secret science or a means to uncover hidden knowledge. It complements, rather than replaces, medical treatment. In contrast, healers who claim to converse with demons or extract information from them are seen as departing from established religious practice and entering the realm of unsubstantiated allegations.

Furthermore, the author points out the inherent contradiction in trusting the word of the devil, traditionally considered a source of lies and deception in Islamic theology, while simultaneously dismissing scientific and medical research. The article questions how healers ascertain the identity of the entity they claim to be speaking with and verify the truthfulness of its statements. These questions often go unanswered, replaced by unverifiable stories. Ultimately, the author contends that many of these contemporary practices bear a closer resemblance to ancient divination, where individuals claimed contact with unseen realms, than to the established principles of Islamic spiritual healing.