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 instances where taking part in the ahwash is discouraged, either to avoid offending a saint or due to fears about the combined power of the saint and the ahwash. Some deeply religious Moroccans may choose not to participate because they believe the devil plays a role in the performance.