In some instances, it is disallowed for fear of offending the saint, or for fear of the combination of the saint's power and the power of the ahwash. Very religious Moroccans may choose not to take part in the ahwash, because they believe the devil is a part of the performance.
There are situations where engaging in the ahwash is discouraged, either to avoid offending a revered figure or because of apprehensions regarding the interplay between the saint's power and that of the ahwash. Some deeply committed Moroccans may choose not to participate due to their spiritual beliefs about the devil's role.