Traditional medicine encompasses a wide array of practices, knowledge, and beliefs that are indigenous to various cultures, utilized for the maintenance of health and the treatment of physical and mental illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, traditional medicine is defined as the sum total of knowledge, skills, and practices based on theories and experiences that are specific to different cultures, whether explicable or no. In Bangladesh, traditional medicinal systems are diverse, including well-established practices such as Ayurveda and Unani, as well as folk medicine that often incorporates elements of local culture and spirituality.
In the Narsinghdi district of Bangladesh, a unique form of traditional healing is practiced by Zakir Hossain, a local healer known as a ‘fakir.’ His methods combine the use of Quranic verses, amulets, numerology, and medicinal plants to treat various ailments. The healer’s practice reflects a broader trend in which individuals turn to traditional methods when conventional medical treatments fail, particularly for chronic or severe conditions.
Cultural Context of Numerology
Numerology, the belief in the mystical significance of numbers, has deep roots in various cultures around the world, including Bangladesh. In the context of traditional healing practices, particularly those observed in the Narsinghdi district, numerology is often intertwined with religious beliefs and cultural traditions. The healer Zakir Hossain employs numerological charts as part of his treatment methods, reflecting a broader cultural acceptance of numbers as powerful symbols that can influence health and well-being.
In Bangladesh, numerology is not only associated with Islamic practices but also resonates with Hindu traditions. The use of numbers in religious texts, such as the Quran and the Vedas, highlights their perceived spiritual significance. For instance, certain numbers are believed to hold specific meanings or powers, which can be harnessed for healing purposes. The number 786, for example, is commonly used in Islamic numerology as it represents the phrase “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim,” which translates to “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” This number is often inscribed on amulets and used in various healing rituals, as seen in the practices of Zakir Hossain.
The cultural context of numerology in traditional healing is further enriched by the historical significance of numbers in South Asian spiritual practices. In Hinduism, numbers such as 1, 3, 7, and 10 are frequently mentioned in sacred texts and are believed to have auspicious qualities. This belief system extends to the preparation of numerological charts, which are often used by astrologers to predict an individual’s fate, including potential health issues. The integration of numerology into healing practices reflects a syncretism of beliefs, where both Islamic and Hindu elements coexist and influence each other.
Numerological Practices in Traditional Healing
The number 786, which represents the phrase “Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim,” is frequently used as a foundational element in various charts. This number is not only significant in Islamic tradition but also serves as a starting point for many of Zakir Hossain’s numerological calculations. The healer often arranges numbers in specific formats, such as grids or columns, to create amulets that are believed to possess healing properties.
An example of this practice can be seen in the treatment for epilepsy, where Zakir Hossain prescribes a numerological chart that includes the number 786 along with other Arabic numerals arranged in a specific pattern. The chart is advised to be worn as an amulet around the neck, with the belief that the numbers will exert a protective influence over the individual suffering from the condition. The arrangement of numbers is not arbitrary; it is designed to create a balance that is thought to resonate with the patient’s spiritual and physical state.
Another notable example is the treatment for headaches, where the healer provides two distinct charts containing Arabic numerals. The first chart is to be written on a piece of paper and tied to the head, while the second chart is used in a similar manner. The numerical values in these charts are meticulously calculated, with the horizontal and vertical additions leading to specific totals, such as 152 and 257, respectively. This method reflects the healer’s belief in the therapeutic significance of these numbers
Zakir Hossain also employs numerology in conjunction with physical actions, such as the recitation of Quranic verses. For example, in the treatment of toothache, the healer instructs the patient to brush the aching tooth with a piece of paper that has a numerological chart written on it. This practice combines the physical act of brushing with the spiritual significance of the numbers, reinforcing the belief that the numbers can influence the healing process.
Furthermore, the healer’s use of numerological charts extends to various ailments, including stomach aches and fevers. In these cases, specific Quranic verses are written in water-soluble ink, and the resulting water is administered to the patient after the ink has been washed away. The numerical values derived from these verses are believed to enhance the efficacy of the treatment, as the numbers are thought to carry spiritual weight that can aid in recovery. For stomach pain, he prescribes writing Ayat-al-Kursi (Quranic verses from Surah Al-Baqara) with saffron dissolved in rose water, which is then washed and the resulting water is consumed by the patient. In the case of fever, he wraps a chicken egg in a cloth containing a numerological chart, boils it, and instructs the patient to eat the egg while wearing the cloth as an amulet
One notable example is the treatment for stuttering in children. In this case, the healer prescribes that a piece of lead be tied to the child, and the child is instructed to suck on the lead a few times. This practice reflects a belief in the power of specific materials, combined with the numerological significance attributed to the act.
For treatment of severe cold with coughs, the healer advises the use of a chart containing Arabic numerals and an Arabic alphabet, which is to be written on a piece of paper and tied to the patient’s head. The corresponding English numbers are calculated, and the addition of the numbers in the top two rows yields totals of 33 and 34, respectively. This numerological arrangement is believed to have therapeutic significance, although the exact reasoning behind the specific numbers used remains undisclosed.
Zakir Hossain also incorporates medicinal plants into his healing practices. For instance, he uses the root of Mimosa diplotricha (local name: shada lojjaboti) tied to the left knee of a pregnant woman to alleviate pain during delivery. He claims that delivery can be expected within 10-15 minutes after the application of this remedy.
Psychological Impact of Numerology
One significant aspect of numerology in Zakir Hossain’s practice is its role in fostering a sense of empowerment among patients. For instance, when patients are provided with numerological charts to wear as amulets, they often report feeling a greater sense of agency over their health. The act of wearing a chart that is believed to possess protective qualities, such as the numerological chart for epilepsy that includes the number 786, can lead to increased confidence in managing their condition. This psychological boost is crucial, especially for individuals suffering from chronic ailments, as it can enhance their overall well-being and resilience.
Moreover, the use of numerology can also serve as a coping mechanism for patients facing severe health challenges. In cases of ailments like stuttering in children, where a piece of lead is tied to the child, the ritualistic aspect of the treatment can provide comfort and reassurance to both the child and the parents.
The healer’s methods also reflect a broader cultural understanding of the interplay between spirituality and mental health. For example, the practice of reciting Quranic verses while engaging in numerological calculations can create a meditative state for patients, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Comparative Analysis
One notable comparison can be drawn between Zakir Hossain’s use of Quranic verses and numerology and the practices of traditional healers in other cultures who utilize sacred texts. For instance, in Hindu traditions, practitioners often recite verses from the Vedas or Gita, similar to how Zakir employs Quranic recitations for healing. Both practices emphasize the spiritual significance of the texts, which are believed to possess inherent healing powers. However, while Zakir Hossain integrates numerology into his healing rituals—transforming Quranic verses into numerical charts—Hindu practitioners may focus more on the phonetic and ritualistic aspects of their texts without a numerological component.
Another point of comparison is the use of amulets in both Islamic and Hindu healing traditions. Zakir Hossain prescribes amulets containing Quranic inscriptions and numerological charts, which are believed to provide protection and healing. This practice is akin to the use of tawiz in Islamic culture, where verses from the Quran are inscribed on paper and worn as talismans. If you want to know more about taweez – visit – furzan.com. In Hinduism, similar practices involve wearing amulets inscribed with mantras or symbols believed to ward off evil spirits or diseases. The commonality lies in the belief that these physical objects can influence health outcomes, though the specific texts and symbols used differ significantly between the two traditions.
Zakir Hossain’s incorporation of medicinal plants into his healing practices also aligns with traditional healing methods observed globally. For example, the use of the root of Mimosa diplotricha (local name: shada lojjaboti) for alleviating pain during childbirth is reminiscent of herbal remedies used in various cultures, such as the use of Ricinus communis (castor oil) in many African and Caribbean traditions for similar purposes. Both practices reflect a deep-rooted understanding of local flora and its medicinal properties, although the specific plants and their applications vary widely across cultures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of Quranic verses, numerology, and medicinal plants in Zakir Hossain’s healing methods exemplifies the rich tapestry of traditional medicine in Bangladesh. This case study not only highlights the unique practices of a traditional healer but also calls for a greater appreciation of the cultural and spiritual dimensions of health and healing in contemporary society. The findings advocate for the recognition of traditional healing practices as valuable components of holistic healthcare, deserving of respect and further exploration in both academic and clinical settings.