The Zaar

23-3-2006 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the ruling on the “Zaar”? The “Zaar” are those celebrations which are held in order to repel the Jinn and devils from the people. In some Arab countries, the “Zaar” is considered a religious habit in order to repel the Jinn and the devils from the people who are possessed by them. Unfortunately, many Muslims stick to it despite the various infringements which it contains and which contradict Islam, like not exalting the mention of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, during the Zaar and not asking Allaah to cure the patient.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

The “Zaar” is nothing but a kind of magic and superstition which the magicians use when treating the people who are possessed by the Jinn, as they claim, so they organize these huge celebrations during which the patient and the people who are present there dance, in a place full of incense. Sometimes they repeat some words which you cannot understand. This is an innovation and it is rejected. The devils decorated it for the people who follow them, so it is not permissible to attend such celebrations or to celebrate them, or to keep quiet regarding them as they include acts during which people associate partners to Allaah, and they contain many religious prohibitions.

The Muslims are obliged to warn the people against such an evil, and advise the Muslims especially the weak-minded ones who believe in such a thing and celebrate it, and advise those who are possessed by Jinn amongst them about the religious treatment, by reciting the Quran and legislated mention of Allaah, while seeking Allaah’s Help, mentioning the morning and evening legislated mention, and constantly performing supererogatory acts of worship.   

Allaah Knows best.