Verses that heal

Published August 24, 2012
Sidig Ahmad Mohamed, a "Faki" (religious healer) from Abu Shouk (North Darfur), reading the Holy Quran before preparing the "Bakhra", a traditional treatment against mental illnesses. The patient has to inhale the smoke that comes up from a piece of paper (with Quran sentences written on it) fired with charcoal, roots and species. ? Photo by AFP
Sidig Ahmad Mohamed, a "Faki" (religious healer) from Abu Shouk (North Darfur), reading the Holy Quran before preparing the "Bakhra", a traditional treatment against mental illnesses. The patient has to inhale the smoke that comes up from a piece of paper (with Quran sentences written on it) fired with charcoal, roots and species. ? Photo by AFP

Darfur is located in the west of Sudan in Africa, a region that has been witness to severe violence and unrest from the devastating famine in 1987 to the conflict between the government and the militia including the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice for equality movement.

Several aid agencies including the United Nations and Medecins Sans Frontiers have been active in providing relief and medical care for the inhabitants against insurmountable odds. In a land where basic necessities remain scarce the inhabitants turn to alternative ways of seeking protection and health.

Darfur is home to many traditional healers or “Fakis” whose methods are inspired by the verses from the Quran and are highly respected in their communities. Many Fakhis have extensive knowledge of local herbs and plants while others claim to channel spirits within their bodies which possess healing powers.

Opinion

Editorial

Terrorism challenge
Updated 05 Mar, 2025

Terrorism challenge

Pakistan has few options but to cooperate on the counterterrorism issue with Kabul.
Ad ban
Updated 05 Mar, 2025

Ad ban

This publication always takes into consideration multiple angles when making editorial decisions.
Demand for solar power
05 Mar, 2025

Demand for solar power

A GREAT solar rush across Pakistan is transforming the nation’s energy landscape. Households and businesses are...
IMF scrutiny
Updated 04 Mar, 2025

IMF scrutiny

Boosting economic stability, flows from multilateral agencies, and sovereign credit rating upgrade depend on IMF review's success.
Diplomatic protocol
04 Mar, 2025

Diplomatic protocol

IT is a fact that KP — which shares a long border with Afghanistan — is directly affected by cross-border...
Polio politics
04 Mar, 2025

Polio politics

THE dispute between the centre and Punjab over the detection of polio cases in Mandi Bahauddin is unnecessary and...