Mahmoud Ahmad, Arab News
Police in Jeddah arrested an African who claimed he was a "prophet" with supernatural powers.
"I'm the New Prophet, come to renew Islam and make it even holier!"
"Mahmoud, cut his head off!"
"No, wait! I'm just a simple itinerant swindler...!" |
The arrest came after local residents alerted the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of an African suspect who claimed that he was a prophet sent to the neighborhoods to renew the Islamic religion.
| "Brethren and Sistern! I bring you the new version of that old favorite — Islam!" |
The man, who claimed that his prophetic powers came from God, also said that he could double currency notes through magic. He moved from one neighborhood to another to spread his "message". Teams from police and the commission kept a tab on the man and monitored his prophecy sessions until the perfect time to arrest him. He was arrested in his house as he was holding one of his sermons.
| "An' Brethren and Sistern, I prophesy that in 30 seconds the coppers are gonna come bargin' in and thump knobs on my head!" |
Early investigations showed that the man was involved in swindling Saudis and expatriates of different nationalities. Police said that the man traveled from one place to another to draw suspicion away from him. He wooed people with weak religious knowledge and swindled their money by claiming that he could cure diseases like paralysis. His confessions were recorded and soon he will be produced in court.
"What'd he say there, Mr. Prosecutor?"
"I think he said, 'Aaaaiiiieee!', yer honor!"
"No, I meant before that!" |
Such sorcerers abound in south Jeddah neighborhoods preying on the gullibility of families, especially those with members suffering from incurable diseases. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the areas of their operation. |