The Powerful Moroccan "Evil Eye" (Part 1)
"Al-Ain" (the eye) or "Taqwas" is a culture that has spread so terribly in Moroccan society that it has turned the lives of many Moroccans into hell because of their excessive caution against neighbors, relatives, colleagues, and friends. Everyone is accused of having a harmful "Evil Eye" until proven otherwise, which is very rare because the "Evil Eye" affects the ignorant and the educated, the ordinary citizens, and the experienced politician. Everybody in Morocco is afraid of public enemy number one: the "Evil Eye." It's so powerful that it'll destroy you, destroy your happiness, career, and whole life before you know it, not only in Morocco but also in the entire Arab world.
When I was going to school in Torino (Italy), where I grew up as a child, I never heard about it. When my dad decided to go back to live in Morocco, the "Evil Eye" was not only the first thing I heard but also the first thing I learned about…or was taught to pay attention to, as everything is related to it. When hard work fails, it is because of the "Evil Eye." If you buy a new car and you get into an accident, it's because of it too. If you are married to a beautiful wife and get divorced, you should blame the "Evil Eye." If you are healthy and get sick, put it on the "Evil Eye," of course!
I can go on and on with more examples and the endless situations I've experienced. In Morocco, we grew up with the "Evil Eye." We were all educated not to announce our moves; otherwise, something terrible would happen and prohibit you from achieving whatever you reveal.
The factors that make Moroccans and Arabs, in general, believe in the effect of the "Evil Eye" as we were in different historical eras are related to Arab culture, religion, and social factors that most Moroccans and Arabs grew up with.
The established belief of the "Evil Eye" is a part of the daily Moroccan life, which is dominated by the culture of envy, hatred, jealousy, competition, and fear of others, including, in many cases, your family members. TO BE CONTINUED…