Where we stand even in the 21st century.

Amanullah Khan Ayubi 

The Prevalence of Superstition and Belief in Supernatural Beings

1. Historical and Cultural Roots

The subcontinent's diverse history, which includes influences from Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and local animistic traditions, has fostered an environment where belief in supernatural beings like jinns, fairies, ghosts, and evil spirits thrives.

Mythological stories, folk tales, and religious texts reinforce these beliefs, embedding them deeply into societal consciousness.

2. Psychological and Social Needs

Belief in supernatural entities often serves as a coping mechanism for unexplained phenomena or personal crises, such as illnesses or misfortunes.

Many people turn to Aamils when conventional medicine fails or when they cannot afford proper medical care, seeking solace in spiritual practices.

3. Media Influence

Television dramas, movies, and books in the subcontinent frequently depict supernatural themes, reinforcing the existence of such beings and promoting spiritual solutions for various problems.

Exploitation by Fraudulent Aamils

1. Financial Exploitation

Fraudulent Aamils often prey on vulnerable families, promising miraculous cures for chronic illnesses like epilepsy, cancer, and mental health disorders.

The cost of repeated visits, amulets, and rituals places a heavy financial burden on families, especially the poor.

2. Unscientific Claims

These spiritual healers frequently claim to "cure" diseases that require medical treatment, such as neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, and infectious diseases, diverting patients from seeking proper care.

In extreme cases, children or women with mental health issues are labeled as "possessed" and subjected to harmful rituals, sometimes involving physical abuse.

3. Social Stigma

Mental health problems and diseases like epilepsy are often stigmatized in the subcontinent, leading families to hide the condition and rely on Aamils rather than seeking medical help.

Comparisons with Developed Nations

1. Scientific Temper and Education

In developed countries like Europe, America, Japan, and China, the population generally has higher levels of scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, which diminish reliance on supernatural explanations.

Superstitious practices, while not entirely absent, are limited to fringe groups and are not mainstream.

2. Access to Healthcare

Developed nations provide better access to affordable healthcare and mental health services, reducing the need for alternative or spiritual healers.

Diseases like epilepsy are treated as medical conditions rather than supernatural afflictions, with proper diagnosis and therapy.

3. Legal Measures

Fraudulent healers are often subject to strict laws and penalties in developed countries, deterring them from exploiting vulnerable people.

Awareness campaigns about mental health and scientific reasoning further curb such practices.

The Socio-Economic Dimension

1. Lack of Education

High illiteracy rates in the subcontinent contribute significantly to the persistence of these practices. Educated individuals are less likely to believe in supernatural solutions to problems.

2. Poverty and Healthcare Barriers

The lack of affordable healthcare options forces many families to seek cheaper alternatives, like spiritual healers.

Poverty amplifies the desperation of families who are willing to believe in any promise of relief.

3. Gender Dynamics

Women and girls are disproportionately affected, often blamed for supernatural afflictions or accused of witchcraft. They become primary targets for Aamils and their fraudulent rituals.

Potential Solutions

1. Public Awareness Campaigns

Governments and NGOs should actively educate people about the scientific causes of diseases and the importance of seeking medical help.

Media campaigns can be used to expose fraudulent Aamils and promote evidence-based treatments.

2. Improved Healthcare Access

Expanding healthcare facilities and reducing costs will reduce the reliance on spiritual healers.

Establishing community mental health programs can address the stigma around mental illnesses and neurological disorders.

3. Stricter Regulation

Governments in the subcontinent must enforce laws against fraudulent healers and hold them accountable for the harm they cause.

Encouraging people to report such frauds without fear of social backlash is also crucial.

Broader Perspective

While the subcontinent faces widespread fraudulent practices, belief in the supernatural is not exclusive to this region.

Even in developed countries, practices like astrology, tarot reading, and faith healing persist, though they are less entrenched in mainstream society.

The challenge is to balance respect for cultural traditions with the promotion of scientific reasoning and modern healthcare practices.

By addressing the root causes—poverty, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare—the reliance on Aamils can be reduced over time, paving the way for a healthier and more informed society.