MENACE OF FAKE FAITH HEALERS
In the wake of a gruesome alleged murder perpetrated by a fake ‘baba’, pending final conclusion by legal authorities for root cause analysis, shockwaves have reverberated throughout the community, prompting a critical examination of the blind faith placed in such individuals who lack grounding in time and space. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for individuals, especially women, to cultivate their own rational assessments, safeguarding themselves against falling prey to manipulation and physical harm. In Islam, where adherence to Sharia law is paramount, there is unequivocally no place for those who exploit religious sentiment for nefarious ends. Before conclusive investigation the story of the lady’s murder, serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers inherent in blind faith. Too often, individuals surrender their critical faculties to charismatic figures who claim divine authority without subjecting their claims to scrutiny. These self-proclaimed babas and peers exploit the vulnerability of their followers, wielding undue influence over their lives and, in some cases, perpetrating unspeakable acts of violence.
The Question arises: Why do people continue to place their trust in such dubious characters despite ample evidence of their deception?
One explanation lies in the human propensity for seeking solace and meaning in times of uncertainty. When confronted with life’s complexities, many turn to religion and spirituality for guidance and reassurance. However, this quest for enlightenment can sometimes lead individuals astray, as they fall victim to the allure of false prophets promising easy answers and quick fixes. In the case of the murdered lady, her trust in the fake baba proved fatal, highlighting the dire consequences of misplaced faith. Furthermore, societal factors contribute to the perpetuation of blind faith, particularly among marginalized communities where access to education and critical thinking resources may be limited.
In such contexts, individuals are more susceptible to manipulation by those who exploit their ignorance and desperation for personal gain. It is incumbent upon society to address these underlying issues through education and empowerment initiatives, equipping individuals with the tools they need to discern truth from falsehood and resist the influence of charlatans. Importantly, the burden of responsibility does not rest solely on the shoulders of the deceived but extends to the broader community as well. Religious leaders and institutions have a duty to denounce imposters who tarnish the reputation of sincere practitioners and uphold the principles of ethical conduct and accountability.
By promoting a culture of skepticism and critical inquiry, they can help inoculate believers against the allure of false prophets and protect them from falling victim to exploitation. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that gender plays a significant role in the dynamics of blind faith. Women, in particular, are often vulnerable and targeted by fake babas and peers who exploit patriarchal norms to exert control over their lives. In many societies, women are socialized to prioritize obedience and deference to male authority figures, making them especially vulnerable to manipulation and abuse. To combat this vulnerability, efforts must be made to empower women economically, socially, and educationally, enabling them to assert their autonomy and resist coercion.
How would one not well educated, identify or differentiate the real from fake? True or Fake Faith Healers: How to differentiate
Within the framework of Islam, there is a clear mandate to reject false prophets and charlatans who deviate from the teachings of Sharia law. Islam enjoins believers to uphold principles of justice, honesty, and compassion, qualities conspicuously absent in the actions of fake babas and peers. By adhering to the authentic teachings of Islam and fostering a culture of critical inquiry and moral integrity, believers can immunize themselves against the pernicious influence of imposters and safeguard their faith from corruption.
Anyone whose misinterpretation of the Holy Scripture (and/or use of private ”revelation”) implicitly or explicitly, contradicts Quran and the Sunnah can never be a saint even if he/she is a fortune teller, makes predictions, heals the sick, transforms base metals into gold, etc. With a lot of fake faith healers moving in disguise practicing as God-men: How important is it to know true or fake; and How a person not well-educated can identify or differentiate the real saint from fake? A simple criterion to anyone’s credibility and character in such issues is his Ikhlas (sincerity) in adherence to Quran and Sunnah, the piety (Taqwa) in his actual practical life. “The most honourable people among you in the sight of Allah is he who has “Attaqwa” i.e. most fearful of Allah-(Quran) Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “I have left among you two matters by holding fast to which, you shall never be misguided: the Book of God and the Sunnah”. Applying such key performance indicators correctly without making the person alert that you are checking, you will never regret your opinions, selections, and decisions. Actually, it is the poverty of the people’s (or victims’) knowledge about fundamentals of creed (Aqeedah) that provides the opportunity and fertile ground for fraudsters to thrive in disguise in the name of spiritualism, mysticism or much-revered Sufism.
Reviewing the Islamic history and literature I didn’t find any term or description of any personality like Malang, Fannafilla, Toot peers (Kashmiri language etc (person who is not oriented in time self, unhygienic, dresses inappropriately, don’t practice even fard (mandatory rituals) how can they be faith healers or spiritual guidance. We have no such example in Islamic history of those Individuals who may not adhere to traditional Islamic practices or hygiene standards. In Islam, there’s a strong emphasis on cleanliness, punctuality in prayers, and adherence to religious obligations.
Assuredly, a lot of noble souls (Aamil) are also present in our society. There is a legitimate belief in – and practice of – faith healing, and when in need people are encouraged to seek help from learnt God fearing spiritual personalities who adhere to sharia principles strictly. There also is an illegitimate approach to this issue; one that usually puts people at risk of distortion, deviation and misguidance from con artists, including many so-called charismatic preachers misrepresenting and/or exploiting people in the name of the trust (Aqeedah). Perilous times have much to teach us today. Many people get duped through wrong doctrine or false teachers. Factually, on careful deep probe, one always finds something lacking by which the reality of these fakes can easily be identified.
The issue of faith healing has been a subject of great misunderstanding and distortion partly due to a lack of understanding and fundamentals of true creed, but also partly due to misconduct of some impostors. We speak here about the standards based on the teachings of the Holy Books Quran, and Sunnah practices – the way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims on the basis of the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the interpretations of Quran.
In conclusion, the murder of the lady by a fake baba serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of blind faith and the urgent need for individuals to cultivate their own rational assessments. In a world fraught with uncertainty and deception, it is incumbent upon believers to exercise discernment and critical thinking, resisting the allure of false prophets who peddle empty promises and exploit the vulnerable.
Learning the fundamentals of our faith is obligatory, one will not stray from the righteous path and shall also be able to identify and avoid the dangerous paths of disobedience and immorality, which may cross our lives. And, whenever a deceptive guide meets us, a few moments of small interaction with him will quickly establish that he is not a guide to be followed. Following the Prophet’s way of correcting mistakes, every faithful servant has a mission in life.
The ignorant need to be taught; the one who has doubts needs to have things explained to him; the negligent person needs to be reminded; and the one who willfully persists in committing error or sins needs to be warned and educated, and misguided involved in criminal activities should face the Law of land. By promoting education, empowerment, and ethical leadership, we can confront the menace of fake babas and peers and uphold the principles of justice and integrity upon which true faith rests.
(The Author is a medical doctor, has a Diploma in Islamic studies from Islamic University. His work has been published in local and international Journals. Can be reached at drfiazfazili @ gmail.com)
