The Jinn, Women Vulnerabilities and The Act of Healings In The Hausa Communities Of 21st Century

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

Yakubu Aliyu GOBIR (Ph. D.)

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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