Treating a snakebite by circling a neem tree

Question

Question: Near us there is a neem tree. If a snake bites someone, he is bathed with water (from) this neem tree, and then one has to go round the tree three times: one circles this neem tree taking the name “Sigi Ganesi Trimlu” (words of a Hindu incantation, meaning unclear) (سگی گنیسی تریملو), and then the effect of the snake(bite) goes away. Is it correct for a Muslim to go round in this way?

Answer

The neem leaf and its water are beneficial for removing venom; there is no harm in that. But going round it three times taking the said name is a practice like what non-Muslims do with their goddesses and gods; therefore this should not be done.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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