Witchcraft in the Middle East

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The belief in witchcraft in the Middle East has a long history. Belief in witchcraft as malevolent magic is attested from ancient Mesopotamia. In ancient Judaism, there existed a complex relationship with magic and witchcraft, with some forms of divination accepted by some rabbis, yet most viewed as forbidden or heretical. In the medieval Middle East, under Islamic and Christian influences, witchcraft's perception fluctuated between healing and heresy, revered by some and condemned by others.^{[citation needed]} Today diverse witchcraft communities have emerged.^{[citation needed]}