Exploring the healing methods of muslim religious healing of mental illness from the perspectives of the healer and the patient

ABSTRACT This study sought to explore the healing methods of Muslim religious healing with respect to mental illness from the perspectives of the healer and the patient. The objectives that guided the study were; (1) To find out how the Afa (Muslim religious healer) diagnoses mental illness (2) To find out how he administers treatment (3) To find out if non-Muslims utilize the services of the Afa (4) To identify reasons why some people choose to consult the Afa and not the hospitals for their mental health needs and (5) To identify and describe the characteristics of patients including gender, in the use of the Afa s services. Phenomenological method, which aims to describe the phenomenon as it is given in the subject s experience was used as the research tool, while in-depth semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data from 15 research participants consisting of 5 healers, 8 patients and 2 relatives of patients. Results from the study shows that, the Afa diagnoses mental illness by listening to case histories of patients and also by the use of dream interpretations, while treatment is administered through prayer in conjunction with herbal preparations; and non-Muslims, especially Christians, were found to be utilizing the services of the Afa. Those who consult the Afa ascribe metaphysical explanations to the cause of mental illness, and women were found to constitute the majority in the use of the Afa s services accounting for about 70% of the clinical population. The Afa plays a complex role in the community in his relationship with the patient. He is perceived to be playing the role of a religious expert (Muslim cleric), an imam, a spiritual doctor and a traditional leader, and hence, the patient is motivated by the perceived charisma and spiritual powers of the healer. These characteristics serve as emotional arousal triggering hope and willingness to actively participate in the healing process