Perception Of Muslims Towards Evil Eye, Jinn Possession And Mental Health Issues.

Abstract

The current study aims to examine the information regarding beliefs about Jinn, black magic and evil eye among Muslims in Bangalore, A self-reported questionnaire was used with students and teachers of two selected educational institutes. The institutes were ‘Peace Home Halaqah Educational and Charitable Trust’ and ‘Iqra International School’. Of the 100 individuals who participated in the study, the majority believed in the existence of Jinn (99%), in Jinn possession (89%), in the existence of black magic and evil eye (94% and 99% respectively). There wasn’t any significant difference in the belief of males and females. Both believed in the existence of Jinn and alluded to spiritual healers as the treating authority for malady ascribed to affliction by Jinn, evil eye and black magic. All the participants had high education level and believed that jinn possession, black magic, or evil eye could cause mental and physical health problems. Our results show that supernatural elucidations are common at times of distress amongst Indian Muslims. Mental health doctors & physicians need to be mindful of these beliefs. They must allow patients to express their outlook about their illness and be prepared to work with spiritual healers, if needed, to achieve the best outcome for their patients.