An Indonesian teenager suffering from a rare condition known as ‘Werewolf Syndrome’ has rejected medical treatment and says villagers revere him as a Hindu God.
Muhammad Raihan, 13, is covered in hair up to three inches long across all parts of his body, including his face and back.
But the student, who also faces name-calling from some peers who liken him to Hindu monkey god Hanuman, claims it is a blessing from God.
The devout Muslim, who lives with his widowed mum and four siblings in Mamburung village in North Kalimantan, said: ‘I am not bothered with such attention – some people laugh at me, others just come to me for a blessing.
‘Sometime people would flock to my house from far-off villages to just have a glimpse of me. They think I am a god or have special powers, but this attention is okay because I know I look different.’
His mother Pardan, who lost her husband Muslihah 10 months ago, took him to several doctors but she stopped medication after they said his hair would only grow longer and thicker with age.
The 45-year-old said: ‘He had more hair on his body than my elder son but I was not worried as every child is different. However my concern grew when the hair grew longer and thicker.’
Pardan has instead instilled confidence and faith in God in Raihan.
She says: ‘He is a gift of God and we believe his appearance is the will of Allah. I have taught him to never complain about his condition but instead accept it with grace.’
And for Raihan, who shares a room with his unaffected siblings, he feels blessed to have a distinct appearance and wishes to serve as a mosque cleric in thanks.
‘I am blessed by God and this makes me happy. I am his favourite child and want to serve him my whole life.
‘I don’t want any medical treatment because I’m happy this way.’
Culled from dailymail.co.uk
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