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The international coronavirus health crisis has given birth to a series of unusual practices. In Morocco, a number of so-called «experts» have taken to the internet to advise Moroccans on how to deal and protect themselves from the virus. Some of them have even claimed that they have found curing recipes for the virus.
Mohamed Zin Eddine, who presents himself as a «researcher in medicinal plants and director of a cosmetics company» is one of these «experts». In a viral video posted in March, he claimed to have «received calls from outside Morocco» regarding a plant he would have discovered and which would supposedly be a cure for the new coronavirus. «I know this plant boosts immunity and kills all viruses and bacteria», he said in a video that has cumulated 1.5 million views to date.
Another example is that of a Moroccan raqi (traditional exorcist) who said in an interview published on YouTube and later deleted that «honey mixed with black seeds is the remedy for coronavirus».
Another Morocco-based Palestinian «expert», also claimed he found a cure that «kills the coronavirus 100%». «I cure the coronavirus with three methods, especially for those who do not live in Morocco», he said, assuring that his remedy «is 1000% safe and that healing is guaranteed in less than 36 hours».
شاهد... الدكتور #محمد_الفايد يصف عقار يحتوي على القرنفل ومكونات أخرى يقي من الإصابة #بالكورونا وهذه هي المكونات pic.twitter.com/pQY7EvQ6U3
— EL BILAD - البلاد (@El_Bilade) April 10, 2020
The last on the list is none other than the famous Mohamed El Faid. The man who once advised people with chronic illnesses to fast, despite doctors' warnings, made a comeback by linking fasting to the coronavirus. In an interview with an Algerian channel, El Faid assured that «fasting helps fight the coronavirus». He has since been the subject of a petition calling for his arrest and prosecution for endangering the lives of others.
Research over unfounded recipes
Using speeches that combine religion and science, these people shower Moroccans with recommendations that «are not based on scientific research». Unfortunately, this kind of content is widely shared and viewed by Moroccans who fall for these fake «experts» and their recipes.
«Scientists conduct research and go through a series of steps to reach scientific and founded conclusions. Therefore, we cannot compare them to the recipes introduced by these unqualified people», Moroccan practitioner El Mountadar Alaoui said, reacting to many «homemade» recipes against the coronavirus that have recently become trending.
To the doctor, the authors of this sort of content «are addressing people who cannot verify what they are told and who are impressed by the style and speech these fake experts use». To put it in other words, «they use a religious discourse to impress», he argued.
While explaining that referring to alternative medicine and other old-fashioned supposed cures remains very popular among Moroccans, Alaoui indicated that most of the people who consume this kind of content «are, unfortunately, vulnerable and cannot afford modern medicine».
«Ancient medicine is based on food and medicinal plants. However, its dosages and mixtures can be dangerous for some people», he warned, adding that «some charlatans also present recipes whose components are unknown, which can be dangerous».
«Moroccans must remain very cautious about what they are told and what they are offered, because nothing can replace a doctor's diagnosis. I am a doctor, but I cannot enter a mosque and start preaching people. These people should not take advantage of what religion represents for Moroccans».
Using religion to give false hopes
While many people acknowledge the importance of modern medicine, several others still think that these «experts» can answer their questions, mixing religion and medicine. In this case, these people «give others false hopes by using religion», as they know that it works, sociopsychologist Mohcine Benzakour explained.
The latter believes that some Moroccans, especially those who fall for these speeches, «are not seeking the truth and are ready to listen to anything» as long as it is reassuring.
«This means that we are still thinking in a mythical way and not interested in the core of religion which advocates reasoning and truth. These people exploit the ignorance of others».
To Moroccan sociologist Ali Chaabani, «religion can tell us about some behaviors that can protect us from illness, such as hygiene, prevention measures, and not going to infected areas. It is therefore based on advice and guidance, without advancing that it cures diseases».
He believes that these people «distort religion, which is something noble and spiritual» and «undermines it». To him, «the lack of awareness, knowledge and understanding of certain issues push Moroccans to follow these people».
Talking out of their expertise
The same opinion is shared by Muslim scholars in Morocco. According to the chairman of the Temara Ulema Council, Lahcen Skanfal, it is «medicine that determines a person's ability to fast or not», referring to fake experts who have been telling people that fasting can protect them from the coronavirus.
He added that «a remedy for a disease must come from the work of doctors and not from that of Muslim scholars».«Their role is only to explain what God said to people», he said, adding that «anyone who speaks in the name of medicine and who is not a doctor is talking out of their expertise».
For his part, the president of the council of the local Ulema of Rabat, Abdellah Guedira said to believe that «this attitude does religion bad more than good, because everyone has their specialty». He recalls that scientists are conducting scientific experiments to find a vaccine and find out what can treat diseases. «They are the ones who have the right to talk about how to fight a disease and what to do with it», he said.
«Offending religion and pretending to know the unknown is far from religion. We must be patient, in accordance with the word of God, obey those who govern us and follow their advice».
The chairman of the local Ulema council in Rabat also warns of «calling people to do something the consequences of which we do not know». «Pretending that this pandemic will be lifted at a specific time, in place of doctors and researchers, are attempts to create confusion», he concluded.
While many people claim that they have the answers to many questions related to the coronavirus, scientists around the world are still trying to study the characteristics of this novel virus to create a vaccine.
