Prior studies indicate the
Hausas belief on the existence of jinn as well as their spiritual effects on
humanity. Yet, researches on the relationship between various women’s
vulnerabilities and jinn are lacking. That is, especially, as women are mostly
the victims of jinn. Hence, a significant percentage of women’s vulnerabilities
have to do with jinn. These include physical, medical, psychological and,
sometimes, even social tribulations. However, the most prominent acts of
healings among the Hausas are the girka
cult and the ruqya (exorcism). Of the
two, the former is the most primitive and has.....
By
Department of Nigerian Languages
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
08035605024, 07087765510
Email Address: yagobir@yahoo.co.uk
And
Abu-Ubaida SANI
Department of Educational Foundations
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
Phone No. 08133529736
Email Address: abuubaidasani5@gmail.com
Abstract:
Prior studies indicate the
Hausas belief on the existence of jinn as well as their spiritual effects on
humanity. Yet, researches on the relationship between various women’s
vulnerabilities and jinn are lacking. That is, especially, as women are mostly
the victims of jinn. Hence, a significant percentage of women’s vulnerabilities
have to do with jinn. These include physical, medical, psychological and,
sometimes, even social tribulations. However, the most prominent acts of
healings among the Hausas are the girka
cult and the ruqya (exorcism). Of the
two, the former is the most primitive and has ahistory dated to the history of
the Hausas. Whereas, the later is regarded as the modern and advanced act of
healing, especially when it comes to issues of jinn. However, this paper
reviews the phenomenon of jinn and their effects on women in the Hausa
communities. It also revisits the arts of healings as well as the sudden change
from the primitive healing process of girka
to the modern exorcism. Finally, the
paper presents some suggestions as panacea to the jinn-related women
vulnerabilities. One of such is personal measures of protection; another is
conducting a scientific check-up(s) as to know if an illness is medical or
jinn-related, so that appropriate measure will be taken.
Keywords: Jinn, Women
Vulnerabilities, Hausas, Hausa Community, Girka,
Exorcism
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