The Enchanted Magician

Gulam Nabi

Research Data

The Enchanted Magician

Description

Ghulam Nabi, a policeman, had a deep desire to learn magic. The type of magic he sought required practice at night, so he exchanged his night duties with his colleagues. For forty days, he stayed awake at night and performed his duties during the day. This forty-day magic course was called chila. On the fortieth night, he experienced strange phenomena: the earth shook as if from an earthquake, and a massive amount of water seemed to rush towards him. His night was filled with fear, and he recited verses from the Holy Qur’an for comfort. In the early morning, Ghulam Nabi went to his teacher and described the terrifying night he had experienced. The teacher congratulated him, explaining that he had successfully become a real magician. He was warned that those who failed to complete the course could not live normal lives. In celebration, the teacher offered him a cup of tea. After mastering this magic, Ghulam Nabi found he could cure certain diseases simply by touching his saliva to the afflicted area. Although his powers diminished with age, his blessing or influence huda remained effective. He understood that there were four types of magic: black, white, separating, and vision magic—the latter being the most dangerous. Once, his niece was affected by vision magic, but thanks to his knowledge, she recovered. He noted that his powers were especially strong on Fridays, attracting people from across the region seeking his help on that day. Ghulam Nabi also got to know a man from Mansehra who exhibited strange symptoms, such as itching that released leeches which then vanished into the air. He used his magical powers to fully cure the man, as well as his uncle who showed similar symptoms. In gratitude, they gave him a vehicle full of fruits. He also experienced another case with a young boy in the village who started behaving unusually, taking off his clothes and shoes, and trying to run away. The boy repeatedly said he wanted to go to Astore, but his worried parents brought him to Ghulam Nabi, who used his magical skills to treat the boy. After that the boy served in the army, a testament to Ghulam Nabi’s enduring magical abilities.