In the arid landscapes of North Darfur, Sudan, the Berti people have long held a belief that words carry power—especially the words of the Quran. More than just scripture, Quranic verses are seen as living forces, capable of shielding a person from harm, bringing healing to the sick, and even influencing fate. For the Berti, the connection between language and reality is not metaphorical—it is deeply practical.
This belief manifests most clearly in the widespread use of taweez—small Quranic amulets that serve as protective and healing tools. Carefully inscribed with verses from the Holy Book, these amulets are wrapped in leather, worn on the body, or placed in homes and businesses. Some mascots are designed to ward off weapons, ensuring that bullets and knives miss their mark. Others are meant to cure illnesses, their ink dissolved in water and consumed by the afflicted. Even traders in the bustling local markets rely on Quranic verses, using them to attract customers and ensure financial success.
Quranic Verses for Protection
In the daily lives of the Berti people, unseen dangers are as real as physical ones. Whether it is the evil eye, malevolent spirits, or even physical attacks, protection is a constant concern. To safeguard themselves, many Berti turn to Quranic verses, believing that divine words have the power to shield them from harm. These verses, inscribed on taweez (amulets) or recited in moments of need, serve as spiritual armor against both supernatural and earthly threats.
Protection from Physical Harm
One of the most sought-after taweez in Berti society is the tasrif taweez, designed specifically to deflect weapons. Those who wear it believe that bullets will miss their mark, knives will fail to cut, and sticks will break before striking. The Quranic verses written inside are carefully chosen to invoke divine protection, ensuring that the wearer remains untouched by violence. Some men, particularly those who anticipate legal disputes, fights, or confrontations, carry multiple talismans, each tailored to a different form of protection.
One well-known verse used for protection reads:
“They are deaf, dumb, and blind, and they do not understand.” (Qur’an 2:172)
This verse is commonly included in taweez meant to confuse or weaken an enemy, rendering them unable to harm the wearer. Some Berti believe that, when properly prepared, such charms make a person invisible or unnoticeable to those seeking to harm them.
Protection from the Evil Eye and Jealousy
The evil eye—a curse brought on by jealousy or envy—is a significant concern in Berti society. A single look filled with ill intent can bring misfortune, illness, or even death. To counter this, many Berti wear taweez containing verses meant to repel the effects of envious gazes.
One of the most commonly used Quranic chapters for this purpose is Surah Al-Falaq (The Dawn):
“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn, from the evil of what He has created, from the evil of darkness when it spreads, from the evil of those who blow on knots, and from the evil of the envious when he envies.” (Qur’an 113:1-5)
These verses are believed to be particularly powerful because they directly ask for Allah’s protection against envy and hidden harm. Many parents place such taweez on their children or livestock, ensuring that their families and wealth remain safe from jealous eyes.
Protection for Homes and Businesses
The belief in Quranic protection extends beyond the body to homes, shops, and fields. A common practice among the Berti is to place a harrasa taweez (guardian amulet) at the entrance of their homes or businesses. These taweez often include Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2) or verses mentioning Allah’s names, ensuring that no evil spirits, jinn, or sorcery can enter.
For business owners, specific talismans are designed to repel dishonest customers or thieves. These may contain the verse:
“Whosoever sells the hereafter for this world will find his deal full of loss.”
By placing such taweez in their shops, traders believe that those who attempt to cheat or steal will be exposed and punished by divine forces.
Healing taweez: Wearing the Cure
One of the most common ways to use Quranic verses for healing is through taweez specifically designed to cure illnesses and ward off disease. These healing taweez are often smaller and more discreet than those used for protection, but their significance is just as profound.
Healing Through Water: Drinking the Quran
While wearing a taweez is a passive form of healing, another common practice among the Berti involves ingesting the written Quranic verses—a method believed to bring internal purification and divine healing. The process is both ritualistic and deeply symbolic:
- A faki (religious scholar and healer) carefully writes Quranic verses on a special paper using ink made from plant extracts, saffron, or charcoal.
- The writing is then washed off into a bowl of water, dissolving the words into the liquid.
- The sick person drinks the water, absorbing the divine essence of the Qur’anic words into their body.
This method is often used for treating chronic illnesses, fevers, and spiritual afflictions.
Burning and Inhaling: The Power of Smoke
For certain conditions—especially those related to mental distress, possession, or curses—Berti healers recommend a more intense spiritual intervention: burning Quranic inscriptions and inhaling the smoke. Sometimes, the ashes of the burned taweez are mixed with water and applied to the skin, particularly for treating skin diseases or joint pain.
This method is used also when a person is believed to be suffering from jinn possession, chronic nightmares, or persistent misfortunes, which are considered signs of spiritual affliction rather than just medical conditions.
Quranic Verses for Healing: Divine Protection Against Sickness
Certain verses are consistently used in healing practices among the Berti. One of the most frequently cited is:
“And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.” (Quran 26:80)
Another commonly used verse is:
“In the Quran, We send down that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers.” (Qur’an 17:82)
Conclusion
For the Berti people, the power of words—especially those from the Quran—is not just a matter of faith, but of practical survival. Whether used for protection against weapons, healing from illness, or warding off unseen dangers, Quranic verses are deeply woven into everyday life. The belief that divine words can influence reality has sustained the use of taweez (amulets), Quranic water, and ritual practices for generations, reinforcing a spiritual system where sacred texts do more than instruct—they act.
At the same time, the commercialization of amulets—where amulets are sold in markets rather than crafted for individuals—has sparked debates among religious leaders and believers. Are Qur’anic amulets still sacred when they are produced in bulk? Can they retain their power when not prepared with personal intention and devotion? These questions reflect a deeper uncertainty about the place of these practices in a world where faith and commerce increasingly intersect.