HEALING THROUGH FAITH (A CASE STUDY OF HEALING PATTERNS OF LOCAL AMILS OF DISTRICT MULTAN)

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the Multan district. The study focuses on Healing through faith; a case study of healing patterns by local Amileen (spiritual healers) of district Multan. Firstly, the study focuses on the perceptions of the community about traditional healing practises. Secondly, exploring various healing patterns adopted by "Amil Baba" (spiritual healer) to heal various diseases. Thirdly, understanding the motivational factors behind visiting faith healers rather than medical specialists. The design of the study was qualitative in nature and included three groups of people, healers, believers, and non-believers, out of whom 10 were healers, 20 were believers, and 10 were non-believers. To achieve the objectives, two separate interview guidelines were designed (one for the healers and one for the believers and non believers). It consisted of both structured and semi- structured interview guidelines. The findings of this study revealed that people usually approach healers (Amileen) due to their strong belief in getting cured by that specific healer (Amil). Most of the time, people go there to put out some kind of curse or to get rid of some curse. Keywords: amileen, amil baba, magic, religion, healing practices