Opinion | Women, Beware: The Deception of Fake Babas and the Importance of True Faith—Turn to Allah

Why I Wrote This Article

I have always believed that faith is powerful, but only when placed in the right hands. I grew up in an environment where I saw people, especially women, blindly trusting self-proclaimed babas, believing that a taweez or a whispered dua from these so-called saints would change their destiny.

I watched as desperate mothers, young brides, and struggling women emptied their savings into the hands of these fraudsters, hoping for miracles that never came. I couldn’t stay silent. This article is my voice against a growing problem in our society—a problem that is ruining lives, draining pockets, and, worst of all, distancing people from Allah.

This is not just a story; it is a wake-up call.

Faith or Fraud? The Rise of Fake Babas in Kashmir

Kashmir, a land known for its deep spiritual roots, has recently witnessed a disturbing trend—the rise of fake babas preying on people’s faith and vulnerabilities. These so-called spiritual healers promise solutions to every problem—childlessness, failed marriages, illnesses, bad luck—but instead of offering real guidance, they deceive, exploit, and manipulate.

The victims? Mostly women.

Desperate for solutions, many women unknowingly walk into the trap of these self-proclaimed saints, handing over their money, dignity, and sometimes even their safety. Instead of turning to Allah, the ultimate giver and healer, they place their hopes in fraudulent men who claim divine powers.

The Fake Kaaba Incident—A Dangerous Deception

One of the most shocking incidents was the creation of a fake Kaaba in a remote area of Kashmir. A self-styled baba claimed that those unable to perform Hajj could visit his imitation shrine instead. This was not just fraud—it was a mockery of Islam. Hajj is a sacred duty, ordained by Allah, and no man can replace it with a fabricated structure.

The so-called baba manipulated people into believing that by stepping into his “Kaaba,” their sins would be forgiven, their wishes granted, and their problems solved. Many people, especially women, rushed to seek blessings, unaware of the massive deception unfolding. The authorities finally demolished the fake structure and arrested the fraudster, but the damage was done—faith had been misused for personal gain.

From Spiritual Healers to Criminals—The Exploitation of Women

The fake Kaaba incident is just one example. There have been many cases of fake babas in Kashmir misleading people, especially women.
• In Baramulla, a self-proclaimed baba was caught molesting a young girl under the pretext of “spiritual healing.”
• In Srinagar, another baba scammed families by selling amulets and talismans, claiming they would bring instant success and wealth.
• Many such individuals operate in small villages, offering “miracle cures” for infertility and health issues—charging thousands while delivering nothing.

The Real Danger—Blind Faith in the Wrong Hands

These incidents expose a harsh reality—too many people are placing their faith in men rather than in Allah. Women, in particular, have been made to believe that a baba’s taweez or a whispered dua from him will fix everything.

But ask yourself:
• If these babas truly had power, why do they need your money?
• If they could change destinies, why are their own lives so ordinary?
• If they were real saints, would they exploit women and misguide people?

The answer is simple: They are frauds.

Turn to Allah—Not to False Saints.