LAWS should be drafted to penalise practitioners of witchcraft or black magic and the punishment should be handed down by a judge in accordance with the offence committed.

Dato' Dr Haron Din, head teacher of the basic course conducted by Darusysyifa' Warrafahah, made this suggestion in his working paper entitled "Witchcraft: Its Effects on Beliefs and How to Overcome Them" delivered during the inaugural presentation of authorisation certificates to 165 Islamic medical practitioners on Sunday.

Dato' Haron suggested that through legislation, offenders could be exiled from their hometowns, imprisoned as long as deemed appropriate, and be whipped as permitted by law. The offender could also be required to attend a course on aqidah (faith) after serving his or her sentence, he said, adding that they should be monitored closely so they would not repeat their mistakes.

According to Dato' Haron, witchcraft is banned not only in Islam, but also in Christianity and Judaism because the practice is clearly immoral.

"The effects of witchcraft on its victims is very cruel, forcing them to endure unbearable suffering, with some being miserable for the rest of their lives," he said.

It is because of this that Islam prevents its followers to practise it and allows for the punishment that is commensurate with the crime, he added.

"Now punishment against practitioners of witchcraft is not being carried out. The teachings of Islam that expose the evils of black magic is not being propagated enough, therefore it is not surprising that the phenomenon of witchcraft is widespread," said Dato' Haron.

Dato' Haron had talked about ways of overcoming witchcraft first by using all the power available, secondly by advising people through talks, being role models, Friday sermons and other mediums, and thirdly by maintaining one's faith.

"The three methods are the ones taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but it is relevant throughout time."

Dato' Haron is the founder of Darussyifa' in Malaysia which is responsible for introducing the Islamic way of treatment to the public there.

He gained his degree from the Malaya Islamic College in 1965. He pursued his masters degree at the Al-Azhar University in Egypt.

He then gained his Diploma in Education from the 'Ain Shams University in Cairo and finally his PhD in Syariah from the Darul University in 1974.