Khaberni - A member of the Senior Ulama Authority and an advisor in the Saudi Royal Court, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Mutlaq, confirmed that the majority of cases which people believe are caused by witchcraft, evil eye, or possession are in reality psychological illnesses, noting that about 90% of these sufferings are due to psychological disorders, while cases associated with jinn or witchcraft or evil eye are no more than10% - and God knows best..
This came during his talk on the "Fatwas" program in response to a caller who complained of hardship in livelihood and recurring problems and believed they were due to witchcraft, where Al-Mutlaq confirmed that witchcraft is real and affirmed by the texts of the Holy Quran, but at the same time, he warned against some who are called "healers," who make mistakes in diagnosis and turn every psychological case into witchcraft or possession or evil eye without evidence..
Al-Mutlaq criticized some healers for relying on unverified diagnoses, pointing out that modern medicine does not confirm anything unless through thorough analyses and examinations, whereas some healers make quick judgments that reach the extent of claiming to know the source of witchcraft with the help of jinn - as he described it - which he labeled as lies and exploitation of familial and social disputes..
He emphasized that affirming that a person is bewitched can only be done through clear scientific proof, and it is not permissible to rely on statements not based on facts, calling for distinguishing between psychological disorders that require specialized treatment, and between the illusions and whimsical diagnoses that harm rather than benefit..
Al-Mutlaq concluded his talk by emphasizing that most of what people suffer from today is due to depression, anxiety, and other disorders, calling for increased awareness, turning to specialists, and not following those who amplify sufferings with incorrect diagnosis without basis.
