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NASIR ALI
Srinagar: In the lush valleys of Kashmir, where faith often guides the rhythms of daily life, an unsettling trend has taken deep root. A large number of self-styled “faith healers” are flourishing, preying on the gullibility of common people, especially the poor and uneducated. Behind the façade of divine powers and healing herbs, many of these so-called spiritual doctors are running what is fast emerging as a multi-crore racket.
For years, people across the Valley have sought solace in the blessings of religious men, hoping their prayers could bring health, wealth, or relief from personal troubles. But in recent times, the line between genuine spiritual guidance and outright fraud has blurred. Several reports have surfaced of faith healers who, instead of offering counsel or prayers, have been charging hefty amounts, prescribing fake herbs, and making unrealistic promises of curing diseases, solving marital disputes, and even bringing back estranged loved ones.
In villages and towns, it is not uncommon to see long queues outside the houses of these healers. Desperate patients some battling chronic illnesses, others tormented by unemployment or domestic strife cling to the hope that a “taweez” (amulet), a few mysterious herbs, or the healer’s “spiritual touch” will change their lives.
“I spent more than ₹20,000 on a faith healer who promised my son would recover from his neurological disorder,” said Abdul Majid, a farmer from Budgam. “He gave us some powders and told us to put them in water. When nothing worked, he said we lacked faith. In the end, we were left with nothing but debt.”
Similar stories are echoed across districts. Families sell livestock, borrow money, or pawn jewelry to meet the demands of these self-styled miracle men. For the poor, who often cannot afford modern medical treatment or counseling, the lure of an inexpensive ‘divine cure’ seems irresistible. Yet, in the end, the promised miracles rarely materialize.
Adding another layer to this racket is the booming trade of so-called rare herbs. Many Ayurvedic and Unani shops, locals allege, are hand in glove with faith healers. When a healer prescribes a certain root or powder claiming it to be rare and spiritually potent the patient is invariably directed to a particular shop.
“These herbs are sold at exorbitant prices, sometimes ten times higher than their actual cost,” explained a pharmacist in Srinagar, requesting anonymity. “In reality, they are common shrubs, often mixed with color or fragrance to make them appear special. It is a thriving business built on people’s desperation.”
While traditional healing and Sufi shrines have historically been part of Kashmiri culture, what is happening today, experts say, is far removed from genuine spiritual practice. “Faith can provide emotional strength, but these charlatans exploit religion for financial gain,” said Dr. Heena Sultan, a psychiatrist. “Many of the people who turn to faith healers actually need medical intervention be it for psychiatric conditions, chronic illnesses, or family disputes. Instead, they lose precious time and money.”
Doctors across the Valley frequently see patients who arrive at hospitals only after exhausting faith-based remedies. By then, in many cases, the condition has worsened beyond repair. “We often treat cancer patients who delayed chemotherapy because a healer promised a cure with herbs and prayers,” said an oncologist. “It is heartbreaking.”
Sociologists argue that the phenomenon thrives because of a mix of poverty, lack of awareness, and deep-rooted belief in the supernatural. “In times of distress, people want quick solutions,” explained Prof. Bashir Ahmad, a sociologist. “Faith healers exploit this psychological vulnerability. The illiterate and poor are most affected, but surprisingly, even educated families sometimes fall into the trap.”
The absence of affordable healthcare and counseling services in rural Kashmir has only fueled the reliance on such dubious practices.
Religious scholars too have condemned the commercialization of faith. “Islam does not permit deceiving people in the name of spirituality,” said a cleric from Pulwama. “Those who exploit the needy in the garb of healers are committing a grave sin.”
The rise of fake faith healers in Kashmir is more than just a social issue it is a tragedy that erodes trust, exploits poverty, and worsens suffering.
