batha21

joined 4 months ago
 

Hey everyone, I’ve been researching cultural practices around love spells in the Middle East for a personal project. I even wrote up a blog post about it here: I’m really curious, what do you all think about love spells or similar practices? Do you see them as harmless, manipulative, unethical? I’d appreciate hearing different viewpoints as I’m still forming my own thoughts.

 

Hi everyone! I’ve been researching different cultural practices across the Middle East, and I found some fascinating traditions around love spells and folk beliefs, including those in Saudi Arabia. I wrote a blog post summarizing some of these practices if anyone’s interested:

I’d love to hear from anyone here, do these kinds of practices still play a role in Saudi society today? Are they seen as harmless traditions, taboo, or something else?

 

Salaam everyone! I’ve been exploring traditional Islamic protection practices, like ruqya and certain ‘spells’ (e.g., verses/amulets for safety). I’d love to hear this community’s thoughts:

How do you reconcile such practices with modern spirituality?

Are there ethical boundaries to consider (e.g., avoiding shirk)?

Do you have alternative methods for protection (e.g., dua, mindfulness)?

Note: I’m asking in good faith, I respect that views vary, and I’m open to learning. JazakAllah!

[–] batha21@lemm.ee 2 points 4 months ago

That’s a fair point to bring up. In most MENA folklore, love spells and potions weren’t about coercion or removing consent but rather about intensifying attraction, luck, or spiritual alignment, kind of like wearing perfume or using astrology for love. Many traditions viewed these as symbolic or psychological rather than literal mind control. Of course, ethical concerns exist, especially in modern contexts, but historically, these practices were more about intention and belief rather than force.

 

Love spells and rituals have been part of MENA folklore for centuries. From Egyptian love potions to Moroccan talismans and Bedouin incantations, different cultures in the region have unique traditions related to attracting love and deepening relationships.

For example:

In Ancient Egypt, some believed writing a lover’s name on a papyrus scroll and burning it could invoke divine favor. In Moroccan folk magic, certain herbs like rose petals and saffron were used in love charms. In Levantine traditions, poetry and recitations were often employed to win someone’s heart. Do you know of any love-related folk practices from your culture? I’d love to hear about regional traditions and beliefs on love magic