In an article on ABC News, writer Max Seddon reports that Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov, the Head of the Chechen Republic, has ordered a crackdown on sorcery, psychic and faith healing practices, calling those who participate in such practices “charlatans.” Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov advises Chechen citizens to avoid those identifying themselves as sorcerers, faith healers and psychics, asserting that such individuals seek out those who are suffering for the purpose of exploitation.
Chechnya is located in Europe and the Chechen Republic is one of 21 republics in the Soviet Union. Chechnya is located about 100 kilometers from the Caspian Sea on the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains. Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov assumed office in 2007 and since that time has promoted Islamic mysticism, while frowning upon healers or sorcerers who “discredit Islamic” beliefs.
The citizens of the republic hold a variety of folk beliefs, with many believing that evil djinn have been attracted to the region because of the deaths and destruction stemming from prior wars in Chechnya. Islamic djinn are negative entities, spirits or genies written about in the Quran. Djinn are believed to originate from invisible dimensions; the term djinn literally means, “hidden” or "hidden from sight." Djinn, who can allegedly appear in animal or human form, are believed to possess free will, power over humankind and supernatural abilities.
During a meeting in Grozny with municipal leaders, Kadyrov claimed that false healers and wizards are “banned by Islam,” the predominant religion in the republic, and will not provide the citizens of Chechnya any relief from sickness or suffering; Kadyrov warned those who engage in sorcery, faith healing, and psychic practices that they will feel the force of Chechnya’s security services. Chenchya's citizens who seek out the services of false healers, psychics and sorcerers might also face detention and arrest by security forces.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share your thoughts in the comment area and please subscribe to this site by clicking the sign up link below to receive updates about new articles appearing on the Albany Wiccan & Pagan Examiner.
Comments