Black magic ruined my marriage

1:46pm Monday 11th August 2008

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A Lancashire woman has spoken out claiming that her husband's obsession with black magic remedies ruined her marriage.

The 27-year-old said she wanted her story to be told so other people in her position would not have to go through what she did.

"We were happily married until my brother-in-law began to influence my husband. He told him that someone had put some bad spells on us.

"This was the start of a process which eventually saw him abandon me."

Some members of the Asian community do rely on religious charms (some known as taveez's). In some cases local holy men can be inundated with requests from people with social and personal issues. Some charge for their services whilst others do not.

In parts of the Asian sub-continent black magicians and exorcists still do a roaring trade. The fear of black magic has cast its spell and held people in its grip in many towns and villages.

Miss S came from abroad and said she married a British resident and things were normal between them.

"We got married over five years ago and things were great between us. I treated my husband with the respect he deserved and I went out of my way to do everything I could for the family.

"But after his brother visited India things changed. He came back and started saying that someone had put a bad spell on the family. In particular on me and my husband.

"I was shocked but I didn't believe it."

"He said we had to do something about it and started taking us to see a local holy man. He was supposed to be some sort of holy man who gave out good luck charms and so forth.

Although not a firm believer in superstitions she said she went along with the treatment to appease her husband and her brother-in-law. He was insistent they should seek 'expert help' from so-called religious men to get rid of the spell.

"They made me drink this water over and over again and I became really ill. Then I had to wear a taveez.

"For a few weeks I did not know what had become of my husband.

"My brother-in-law was visiting at all hours and became almost obsessed with the black magic.

"If one thing wasn't working he would try new things. And my husband would not listen to me at all. He was only interested in what his brother had to say.

"No-one was on my side and I felt lonely and confused by everything. My friends couldn't recognise who I was and why I was so intent on following my husband's orders.

"I couldn't believe that my husband, who I had fallen in love with, would do this."

Within a few weeks during which her life had been turned upside down by the obsession of black magic she said her husband packed up his bags and left.

"Then last summer he turned up at our house and said he was leaving me. It came as a complete shock. I had to move out of Lancashire and I am glad I did.

"But I feel so angry that the family left me out I the cold. They wanted to believe my brother-in-law more than anything else.

"They treated the holy men like gods.

"How was I to blame for anything? All I wanted to do was to be with my husband.

"Behind his back his family were harassing me but he didn't care.

"My family even came from abroad to reconciliate but they wouldn't listen to them.

"We never used to wear any taveez's before and I never used to believe in black magic. But my brother-in-law and his family ruined my marriage with their obsession with black magic.

"My husband and I never used to fight. There was nothing wrong in our marriage."

Now after her ordeal she says she is determined to let the community know about how she was treated.

"I know there will be people reading this who are in the same situation.

"All I want to say is if anyone else is going through this - save your marriage. Don't let anyone interfere in your life. My brother-in-law's influence on my husband destroyed what we had.

"Find out the truth first and don't trust anyone. I looked after the whole family and I got nothing back. I never cared for myself.

"Those husbands, mothers, brothers and fathers who want to believe outside people more than their daughters should be ashamed of themselves."

"I am standing now on my own and I want to thank those friends who supported me, thanks to God."

Local Islamic scholars said it was important for families not to rely completely on the advice of holy men.

A local Islamic scholar said, "This is indeed a very grey area where there has been increased confusion. In the case of this woman it is a very heart-wretching story. There are sincere people who can help others but to become so obsessed that it destroys a marriage is totally wrong.

"People should always verify through references who they go and see and if in doubt consult a local religious expert as to the advice given.

"It is important to go to authentic people who have religious knowledge "Also one should only approach individuals when they desperately need to and not simply at a whim.

Another local Imam said, "It seems in this case the family have taken the advice of the holy man both here and in India literally and it has destroyed this woman's life.

"I also think other family issues have forced this woman to move out."