Khaled Douma: The Power of Magic

Khaled Douma examines belief in magic, focusing on the idea that it can intervene in human destiny and alter the course of a person’s life.

His commentary addresses a particular understanding of magic: the belief, held by many people, that it can obstruct someone’s livelihood or prevent a marriage.

The distinction is between believing that magic exists and believing that it has the power to determine personal outcomes. Douma’s opening places that second belief at the centre of the discussion.

By pointing to livelihood and marriage, he frames the subject around everyday hopes and anxieties. The question raised is how much power people attribute to magic when considering the circumstances of their lives.