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How to Identify Authentic Islamic Exorcists

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In Islamic spirituality, the practice of Ruqyah emerges as a powerful tool for addressing afflictions caused by jinns and negative metaphysical influences associated with mental health illness. Parallel to the Christian practice of exorcism, Ruqyah relies on recitations from the Qur’an and prophetic medicine. However, amidst the genuine practitioners lie charlatans who exploit vulnerable individuals, causing harm instead of healing. In this piece, our analyst examines the characteristics of authentic Islamic exorcists and the red flags that signal a departure from the true essence of Ruqyah.

Preserving Privacy and Respect

Authentic Islamic exorcists prioritize privacy and respect for the patient. They refrain from asking intrusive questions, such as demanding parents’ names, especially the mother’s name, as a criterion for the Ruqyah. A genuine session relies on the power of the recitations, not personal information.

Avoiding Unethical Practices

True practitioners of Ruqyah do not engage in unethical practices, such as requesting personal items like clothes, nails, or pubic hair. Any exorcist demanding such items is likely indulging in sorcery and manipulating jinns for personal gain.

Preserving Authenticity in Language

The core of Ruqyah lies in the Arabic verses of the Qur’an. Authentic exorcists perform the ritual in Arabic, using selected verses. Beware of those who use strange languages or dialects, as this may indicate a departure from the genuine practice.

Maintaining Confidentiality

A genuine Raqi refrains from disclosing who may have used jinns against the patient during the Ruqyah session. This is essential to prevent the patient from harbouring negative emotions post-healing.

Altruism Over Profit

Historically, authentic Islamic exorcists were seldom charged for their services. While appreciating the exorcist for their efforts is acceptable, prioritizing financial gain above the healing process is a clear red flag.

Rejecting Physical Violence

True exorcists never resort to physical force, such as beating patients with a stick during Ruqyah. Such actions are illegal and can cause lasting harm to the individual’s mental and physical well-being.

Quintessential Qur’anic Passages

Authentic Raqi draws upon specific Qur’anic passages, such as sura al-Fatihah, Ayat al-Kursi, and the last three suras. Against sihr, sura Yunus is frequently used, while sura al-Qalam addresses afflictions caused by the evil eye. If these verses are absent, skepticism about the practitioner’s authenticity is warranted.

In the realm of mental health and spirituality, authentic Islamic exorcists play a vital role in healing and restoring balance. By discerning the characteristics of genuine practitioners and being aware of potential red flags, individuals can navigate the intricate landscape of Ruqyah, ensuring a journey towards true healing and spiritual well-being.

Good Luck Imo State As You Vote for a Governor

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Let me wish the good people of Imo State good luck as they elect the next governor. You are all smarter citizens and will make the best choice. Find strength to still go, and vote, despite what happened four years ago when the Supreme Court did the main voting.

As an Abian, Owerri remains like the main capital, because everyone is connected to Owerri. We have Ovim Street in Ikenegbu Layout, Owerri; I am not sure Abia State has any street named after my village.

Imo State in many ways has honoured Ovim because across many dimensions Ovim people played roles in the state; our sons served as governors, chief justices, foundational professors, chief medical directors, etc. So, our hearts are in Imo State, and we ask all the qualified voters to vote because Imo State must rise. Good luck.

(I know nothing about the politicians to have any preference because I have not been paying attention. My heart is only in Abia State right now.)

4 Signs That You Are Living With Jinn(s) and A Signal for Severe Mental Health Conditions

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Statistics regarding the causes of mental illness and the circumstances that affect those who suffer from it have been trending rising since 1990. The release of surprising data has continued, from international agencies to regional and state entities with an interest in the matter. 10.7% of people worldwide suffer from a mental disease of some kind, according to Our World in Data, a global think tank for gathering, combining, and analysing data for global concerns and needs.

The World Health Organisation also reports that individuals with serious mental illnesses are dying young, particularly for two decades ago, because of physical illnesses that can be avoided, like eating disorders that interfere with functioning, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. Mental health disorders are depleting global resources, much like other global diseases. Government and individual budgets are being cut from the Global North to the Global South.

In our last piece, our analyst noted that some mental health illnesses necessitate the professional services of psychiatric doctors, while others necessitate the services of professional Islamic exorcists. The latter happens when the patient is possessed by (a) Jinn(s) or other associated triggers like sorcery, witchcraft, evil eyes, and so on. However, in other circumstances, a combination of the two is required. This is what our analyst calls a holistic approach to treating and managing mental health disorders.

No one can be assured of this until a spiritual diagnosis is carried out. However, some symptoms should be considered red flags. When these symptoms persist, it is a sign that you require a spiritual diagnosis. The most common diagnosis is Ruqyah; there is also a self-Ruqyah. Cultural anthropologists who research invisibilities (such as Christian Suhr) can attest to the potency of Ruqyah.

Our analyst notes that those who are familiar with the Arabic or translated texts of the Egyptian scholar and Islamic exorcist, Shaykh Wahid Abdussalam Bali, might have come across some of these symptoms. These symptoms aren’t myths! What are they?

Regular sexual intercourse in dreams with someone acquainted or unfamiliar (if you didn’t watch pornographic movies before bed). In this situation, an unmarried man or woman may find it difficult to remain in a marriage. Also, a married man or woman may despise his or her spouse for no apparent reason. They may never have sexual desires for each other again. A pregnant lady who constantly has such dreams may suffer recurrent miscarriages. Some women may turn into Jinn-induced barrens.

Frequently seeing oneself in empty spaces such as cemeteries, caves and abandoned houses in nightmares. It’s strongly believed that these are some places the Jinns reside.

Constantly falling from great heights or being followed by carnivorous beasts in dreams.

Eating or being fed in dreams without knowing the content of the food (eating in this case is mostly caused by sorcery/witchcraft).

Umar Olansile Ajetunmobian independent, interdisciplinary researcher with special interests in political, (mental) health, development, and digital media communication, contributes to the development of this piece through his skills and knowledge garnered over the years. 

Stablecoin fail to maintain Peg consistently, SUI Crypto Partners Microsoft, NEAR foundation introduces Data Availability Solution

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Stablecoins, which are digital tokens that claim to be backed by fiat currencies or other assets, have been growing in popularity and adoption in recent years. However, a new report from the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) casts doubts on their ability to maintain their pegs consistently and reliably.

The report, titled “Stablecoins: risks, potential and regulation”, analyzes the performance of several major stablecoins during periods of market stress and volatility. It finds that some stablecoins exhibit significant deviations from their target values, especially when there is high demand for them or when their issuers face operational or regulatory challenges.

The report also warns that stablecoins pose a number of risks to financial stability, monetary policy and consumer protection. It argues that stablecoins need to be regulated and supervised in a comprehensive and consistent manner, both at the national and international levels. It also suggests that central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could offer a more robust and efficient alternative to stablecoins, as they would be backed by the full faith and credit of the central bank.

CBDCs are not a panacea for the problems of currency devaluation and inflation. They are a tool that can complement other policies and reforms to address the underlying causes of these phenomena. However, they can offer a viable solution for enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness of national currencies in the digital age.

The report concludes that stablecoins are not a panacea for the challenges of cross-border payments and financial inclusion, and that they need to be carefully assessed and monitored by regulators and policymakers. It also calls for more research and experimentation on the potential benefits and risks of CBDCs and other forms of digital money.

Central Bank Digital Currency in face of Currency Devaluation and Inflation

The world is witnessing a surge in inflation and currency devaluation, especially in emerging markets and developing countries. The causes are manifold: the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, fiscal and monetary stimulus, geopolitical tensions, etc. These factors have eroded the purchasing power of many national currencies and raised doubts about their stability and credibility.

In this context, some central banks are exploring the possibility of issuing their own digital currencies, or CBDCs. A CBDC is a form of legal tender that is issued and controlled by the central bank but exists in digital form. Unlike cryptocurrencies, which are decentralized and operate on blockchain technology, CBDCs are centralized and can use different technologies.

The potential benefits of CBDCs are numerous. They can enhance financial inclusion, reduce transaction costs, increase transparency, improve monetary policy effectiveness, and foster innovation. They can also provide a safe and reliable alternative to cash, which is often scarce or costly in some countries. Moreover, they can help preserve the sovereignty and autonomy of national currencies in the face of global competition and digitalization.

However, CBDCs also pose significant challenges and risks. They can disrupt the existing financial system, affect the profitability and intermediation role of commercial banks, create cybersecurity and privacy issues, and raise legal and regulatory questions. They can also have unintended consequences on the macroeconomic stability and international monetary system, especially if they are used across borders or as a reserve currency.

Therefore, central banks need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of CBDCs before deciding to issue them. They need to design them in a way that maximizes their benefits while minimizing their risks. They also need to coordinate with other central banks and international organizations to ensure a harmonized and coherent approach to CBDCs.

SUI Crypto Partners Microsoft, NEAR foundation introduces Data Availability Solution

Sui, a cryptocurrency that aims to provide decentralized data storage and management, has seen a significant increase in its value in the past week. The coin surged by 12% on Wednesday, reaching a new high of $0.597. The main catalyst for this rally was the announcement of a partnership with Microsoft, the tech giant that has been investing heavily in blockchain and cloud computing.

According to the official press release, Microsoft will integrate Sui’s data platform into its Azure cloud service, allowing users to store and access their data securely and efficiently across multiple devices and locations. Sui’s platform uses a network of nodes that are rewarded with Sui tokens for providing storage space and bandwidth. This creates a peer-to-peer system that is more scalable, resilient and cost-effective than traditional centralized servers.

The partnership with Microsoft is a major milestone for Sui, as it validates its vision and technology, and exposes it to a wider audience of potential customers and investors. Sui’s founder and CEO, expressed his excitement and gratitude in a blog post:

“We are thrilled to join forces with Microsoft, one of the most innovative and influential companies in the world. This collaboration will enable us to bring our data platform to the next level and offer a better service to our users and partners. We are grateful for Microsoft’s trust and support, and we look forward to working together to create a more decentralized and democratic data economy.”

Sui’s price is expected to continue its upward trend, as more users and developers adopt its platform and benefit from its features. Sui is also planning to launch more products and services in the near future, such as a decentralized identity system, a data marketplace and a governance mechanism. Sui is one of the most promising projects in the crypto space, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we store and manage our data.

Near foundation introduces data availability solution to ease Ethereum’s burden

Near Foundation, a leading blockchain platform that aims to enable a decentralized web, has announced a new data availability solution that could help ease the congestion and high fees on the Ethereum network. The solution, called Aurora Data Bridge, is a cross-chain bridge that allows Ethereum developers and users to access data stored on the Near Protocol, a scalable and low-cost layer-1 blockchain.

According to Near Foundation, the Aurora Data Bridge leverages the sharded architecture of Near Protocol to provide fast and cheap data availability for Ethereum applications. The bridge uses a novel proof-of-custody scheme that ensures the security and integrity of the data transferred between the two chains. The bridge also supports arbitrary data types, such as NFTs, ERC-20 tokens, and smart contract state.

The Aurora Data Bridge is part of the Aurora project, which is a full-stack platform that enables Ethereum applications to run seamlessly on Near Protocol. Aurora aims to offer a scalable and interoperable solution for the Ethereum ecosystem, without compromising on security or user experience. Aurora claims to be fully compatible with Ethereum’s tooling, standards, and contracts, as well as offering lower fees and faster transactions.

Near Foundation believes that the Aurora Data Bridge could help alleviate some of the challenges faced by Ethereum developers and users, such as network congestion, high gas fees, and limited scalability. By providing an alternative data availability layer, the bridge could enable more efficient and innovative use cases for Ethereum applications, such as decentralized exchanges, gaming, DeFi, and NFTs.

The Aurora Data Bridge is currently in beta testing and is expected to launch in Q1 2022. Near Foundation invites interested developers and users to join the Aurora Discord channel and sign up for the Aurora newsletter to stay updated on the project’s progress and features.

Peter Obi Criticizes Allocation of N60 Billion for SUVs, Advocates Responsible Use of Public Resources

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Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last Nigeria general election, has voiced strong criticism against the recent allocation of N60 billion by federal lawmakers for the purchase of SUV vehicles.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Obi expressed concern over what he considers a “troubling trend” of extravagant government spending, particularly in light of the limited resources available in Nigeria.

The former Anambra State governor contends that the allocation of SUVs for approximately 400 legislators exemplifies a larger issue in the country. He laments the neglect of crucial areas of development while substantial resources are directed towards unnecessary luxuries and conveniences for elected officials who are meant to serve the public.

“We have continued to abandon the critical areas of development measurement while expending scarce resources on needless luxury and creating comforts for those elected to serve the people,” he lamented.

One of the primary areas of concern highlighted by Obi is the state of primary healthcare, a critical aspect of public health and a key indicator of development. He points out that Nigeria’s infant mortality rates have surpassed that of India, a country with a population seven times larger.

Obi finds it distressing that a significant sum has been allocated for vehicles, an expenditure greater than what has been designated for primary healthcare.

“Our primary healthcare, which is the foundation of health, a critical development index measure, has collapsed, leading to our surpassing India, a country 7 times our population, in infant mortality, a very saddening situation,” said Obi.

“To allocate such a huge amount, which is more than what we allocated to our primary health care, is nothing but troubling,” he added.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor of Anambra State, Obi highlights his prudent use of resources. He suggests that with proper negotiation, one-third of the allocated amount could have been used to purchase locally manufactured SUVs from companies like Innoson Motors, PAN, or other local auto assembly plants. This, he argues, would not only stimulate the economy but also generate and maintain jobs.

He narrated, “Upon my being sworn in as the then Governor of Anambra State, I observed that our State High Court Judges, State Government Permanent Secretaries and newly appointed State Commissioners had no vehicles. The Anambra State Government had then ordered for two bulletproof SUV vehicles for my use. I canceled the order and used the same money to negotiate a concessionary pricing with Peugeot Automobiles to supply us with Sixty 406 vehicles which were enough for all the cabinet members including myself and my deputy governor.”

Obi emphasizes that such extravagant expenditures would not have been considered during his administration. He calls on all parties involved to steer away from this pattern of wasteful use of public resources, emphasizing that a more responsible and transparent Nigeria is achievable.

This statement from Obi adds to the ongoing discourse regarding the allocation of public funds. The purchase of multi billion naira SUVs by Nigerian lawmakers stirred strong criticism from members of the public who see it as a misplaced priority, especially as the country is grappling with soaring public debt.