Al-Zar in Upper Egypt: A Missiological Perspective

Magic is “a concept used to describe a mode of rationality or way of thinking that looks to invisible forces to influence events, effect change in material conditions, or present the illusion of change” (Encyclopedia Britannica s.v. magic). “Magic and sorcery are the influencing of events, objects, people, and physical phenomena by mystical, paranormal or supernatural means. The terms can also refer to the practices employed by a person to wield this influence, and to beliefs that explain various events and phenomena in such terms” (Wikipedia, s.v. magic). Magic has been deeply rooted in the Egyptian lifestyle since the beginning of civilization. Just about everyone resorted to magic. It was used in medicine, religion, and technology. Magic pervaded all aspects of the Egyptian life. According to Hiebert, Shaw, and Tiénou, humans live in an interconnected world which includes spirits, ancestors, witchcraft, curses, magic, and other supernatural beings and forces. These are often seen as hostile to human beings (1999:81). Magic is part of the Egyptian heritage and is still greatly adored today. It is worth noting that Egyptian women, more than men, are more involved in magic, fortune telling, astrology, and other forms of jugglery and magic arts. This paper seeks to profile Muslim women who are involved in the spirit world in Upper Egypt and show its root cause. Recent literature shows that the number of women in Egypt who do engage in spirit practices is on the rise. A brief history about magic and its relevance in Egypt will be the starting point of this paper. Then a general profile of the women who are involved in magic will be discussed, hinting at three main factors that attract women to magic. The article addresses one kind of magic, Al-Zar (or Zaar), which is a ceremony that involves the possession of an individual (usually a female)