---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In many Muslim countries, witchcraft is…"
description: "\"In many Muslim countries, witchcraft is not only on the books as a crime, but is commonly prosecuted. In 2009, for example, Saudi Arabia convicted a ma..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31f/steven-pinker-526_alphabet_in-many-muslim-countries-witchcraft-is-n_1216687.jpg"
---

#  In many Muslim countries, witchcraft is not only on the…

![“In many Muslim countries, witchcraft is not only on the books as a crime, but is commonly prosecuted. In 2009, for example, Saudi Arabia convicted a man for carrying a phone booklet with characters in an alphabet from his native Eritrea, which the police interpreted as occult symbols. He was…” quote by Steven Pinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31f/steven-pinker-526_alphabet_in-many-muslim-countries-witchcraft-is-n_1216687.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31f/steven-pinker-526_alphabet_in-many-muslim-countries-witchcraft-is-n_1216687.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31f/steven-pinker-526_alphabet_in-many-muslim-countries-witchcraft-is-n_1216687.jpg)

> “In many Muslim countries, witchcraft is not only on the books as a crime, but is commonly prosecuted. In 2009, for example, Saudi Arabia convicted a man for carrying a phone booklet with characters in an alphabet from his native Eritrea, which the police interpreted as occult symbols. He was lashed three hundred times and imprisoned for more than three years.”

[Steven Pinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-pinker/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Witchcraft accusations in some Muslim nations lead to severe punishments, illustrating how cultural beliefs can criminalize non‑violent practices.

**In simple terms:** Accusations of witchcraft can result in harsh penalties in certain societies.

Key Takeaway

Recognize cultural contexts of legal systems.

Themes

law humanrights culture

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analysis humanrights

When to use this quote

- criminal justice reform
- human rights advocacy
- cultural education

Key Concepts

legal anthropology social control

Questions to Reflect On

- What protects individuals from superstition‑based laws?
- How can international law intervene?

A Different Perspective

Legal systems may lack due process or evidence standards.

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