Bandar Seri Begawan - "The terms ‘bomoh‘ and ‘clukun‘ are usually associated with people who heal others using magic that is against the teachings of Islam, as well as those who summon genies or evil spirits in treating their customers."
This was stated by Datuk Haji Ismail bin Haji Kamus, Adviser of the Persatuan Perubatan Darussalam Malaysia, when he presented his paper during the Knowledge Convention at ICC.
Members of the public believe that a bomoh is a mystic with magic powers who offers health or spiritual remedies and claims to heal illnesses, both physical and spiritual. A bomoh has also been described as a figure from Malay cultural tradition as practising alternative or traditional forms of medicine or magic, akin to a witch doctor.
Seeking and patronising a bomoh who practises healing techniques that are against Islam is generally considered wrong for Muslims, but there have been many cases where people were fognd to patronise these medicine men and adopt the bomoh‘s religion as their own.
According to Siti Zaliha bte Hj Abu Salim, a lecturer from the Department of Syariah, Institute of Islamic Studies, UBD, there are many reasons why people seek bomohs, but the most common are due to desperation and the need for a quick solution.
There is also a sense of mysticism related to the bomoh, which can draw the curious in. Additionally, going to the bomoh can be a pleasure to some, as some people may visit them as a form of rebellion.
A few patronise a bomoh repeatedly, despite their inaccuracies and ineffectiveness of their work. Medicine from the bomoh may only be effective for a short duration before the patrons have to go back for more. There are also some who are believed to have been hypnotised into going back.
According to Siti Zaliha, "Bomohs are clever in that they speak in terms acceptable by Islam, such as words from the Holy Quran, but then they also say things that cannot not accepted." Furthermore, bomohs may speak in Arabic or tongues, making it difficult to understand them and judge whether their ideas are from the Quran.
Those who patronise bomohs are liable to lose hundreds of dollars in the form of "sedekah" or alms. Since some of the requirements by the bomoh in order to fulfil the patron‘s wishes can be very extensive, people will waste time and bend, if not break a few laws, in carrying out the requirements.
Despite much discouragement, bomohs are still here, simply because there is demand for them. According to Siti Zaliha, in situations where a problem cannot be solved by usual means, people may believe that it is the work of evil magic. Bomohs are needed to combat the spells. Furthermore, bomohs are seen as purveyors of traditional medicine and alternative treatments.
Aside from staying away from bomohs, the only effective way of not being taken in by them is by bettering one‘s own knowledge of Islam, says Siti Zaliha. The public should also cooperate with the Aqidah Control Section on matters involving bomohs.
Personally, Siti Zaliha has not heard of any hard evidence that bomohs and their practices are effective. The only evidence, she says, is due to word-of-mouth accounts and coincidences.
Complaints about deviations from Islam received by the Aqidah Control Section have increased every year from 2002 to 2006. 55 complaints were recorded in 2006 alone, the highest number ever.
Various efforts have been made by the government to fight against bomohs and the like in order to eradicate deviant teachings. One of the most remarkable examples is the Knowledge Convention 2007 held across Brunei, with an expo at ICC and various visits to different districts.
A number of papers have been written about the topic, along with talks and seminars made by experts including one done by Datuk Haji Ismail bin Haji Kamus entitled "Deviation of Medical Practitioners" at the 2007 Knowledge Convention. In his paper, he pointed out that the outcome of a patient‘s well-being depends on Allah and no other, stressing that Muslims are required to keep away ‘from traditional beliefs and practices.
Source: www.brudirect.com (9 Oktober 2007)
