A hidden world of exploitation by men working as 'spiritual healers' has been uncovered by the BBC.
BBC News Arabic
Testimonies gathered by the BBC from 85 women, over a period of more than a year, named 65 so-called healers in Morocco and Sudan - two countries where such practices are particularly popular - with accusations ranging from harassment to rape. At a one-to-one session he asked her to smell a scent he said was musk - but which she now believes to have been some kind of drug, because she lost consciousness.
"People don't accept that sheikhs say and do these things. They don't believe it. How can I find witnesses? No-one saw me in the room with him." The BBC questioned Sheikh Ibrahim about what had happened to Reem. He denied that he sexually harassed or assaulted women seeking his help, and abruptly ended our interview.One woman who is offering an alternative to those who would like spiritual healing, without the risk of exploitation, is Sheikha Fatima.
"Many women told us that they believed the sheikh is extracting the devil by touching them. They thought it was part of the treatment," she says. "It's shocking what you hear from these women."In Sudan, Dr Alaa Abu Zeid, head of the family and society department at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, was initially reluctant to believe that so many women had reported experiences of abuse to us.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Amy Dowden's body 'felt like it never did before' in health updateShe has also received a care package from the BBC
Read more »
Carol Kirkwood opens up about 'intimate' second wedding plans following divorceThe BBC Breakfast star shared an insight into her second wedding
Read more »
Former England footballer ‘signs up’ for Strictly Come DancingHe is rumoured to be part of the iconic BBC show
Read more »
BBC presenter becomes latest celebrity to sign up for StrictlyThe announcement was made during an instalment of BBC Radio 2
Read more »
BBC star Nick Owen diagnosed with 'extensive and aggressive' prostate cancerThe BBC Midlands Today presenter has taken time off in recent weeks following his diagnosis.
Read more »
Nike and Adidas urged by MPs to promote female football bootsMPs are investigating the lack of boots designed for women and girls, amid concern about injuries.
Read more »