Talismans and Amulets

Talismans and Amulets

Talismans fall into two categories:

1. From the Quran.

2. Those not from the Quran.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Incantations, talismans, and charms are forms of Shirk"[1]

These are objects crafted by some magicians or sorcerers who claim they protect from the evil eye.

If what's hung includes polytheistic symbols and invocations, undoubtedly, it is forbidden, and wearing them is considered a form of Shirk. We seek Allah's protection.

Even if what's hung only contains Quranic verses, it's still prohibited due to the general hadith mentioned earlier and because hanging them could lead to disrespect. For instance, they might fall on the ground, and the words of Allah are on them, or they might enter inappropriate places while containing Allah's words.

This becomes more critical when a child is involved, who often doesn't know what's inside these items and might think that their protection is attributed to these leather or cloth pieces.

Narrated by Abdullah bin Ukaim: "Whoever hangs something will be left to it."[2]

The meaning of this hadith is that whoever relies on these things, Allah will leave him to what he relies on.

In a Sahih hadith from Abu Bashir Al-Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him, it's reported that he was with the Prophet, peace be upon him, during one of his journeys. The Prophet sent a messenger saying, "No necklace made of a string or a piece of string should be left on a camel's neck without cutting it off." This indicates that hanging necklaces on animals to ward off the evil eye or the like is not allowed, and they must be cut off. The reliance should be only on Allah.

So, what's the alternative to these talismans?

The alternative is seeking protection through supplications, including Ayat al-Kursi, the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, and other permissible invocations and protections.

For further guidance, refer to the following books:

1- Al-Adhkar by Al-Nawawi.

2- Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib by Ibn Al-Qayyim.

3- Tuhfah Al-Akhyar by Sheikh Ibn Baz- "Hisn 4-Hisn Al-Muslim by Sheikh Saeed bin Wahf Al-Qahtani.

Leave the book "Dalail Al-Khayrat" by Jazuli aside, as it contains deviations and innovations.

May Allah guide us, and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad.

This concludes the third lesson, all thanks to Allah.