An amulet or taweez is an a object normally used with an intention to bring good luck or protection from troubles to its owner. Now days, in some countries it has become a symbol of Islam. Those who wear them are easily recognized as Muslims and we see a lot of Muslims using amulets (taweez) and hanging them all over their houses, shops, bodies and even on their pets, animals and trees. In fact the media has played a role to create this image among the Muslims that it brings fortunes to its holder and helps in protection. Several authors and well-known scholars in our part of the world have written in favor of such amulets. One of the scholars prescribed the use of three very famous types of amulets to his followers and told them that as long as they own the amulets, the soul will not leave them (i.e. they will stay alive). And needless to say this is all against the teaching of Islam and strictly prohibited. Allah says in Surah Younus: “And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favor which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (10:107) It is narrated by Ahmad that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, those who hang (wear) amulets have ascribed partners to Allah (meaning they have committed shirk). Uqbah Ibn Amir narrated that the Messenger of Allah, (pbuh), said: “If anyone wears an amulet, may Allah not help him in fulfilling his wish. If anyone wears a sea-shell around his neck, may Allah give him no peace.” (Narrated by Ahmad and Al-Hakim who consider it a sound Hadeeth) Tamimah is a type of amulet and consists of a string of shells or beads that the Arabs used to put around their children's necks, believing that it would protect them from the evil eye. Islam abolished this superstitious practice. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh), disapproved those who wore an amulet out of superstitious belief. It is reported from Ibn Mas'oud that: “Once, when he entered his home, he noticed his wife wearing a knotted object round her neck. He took it away and broke it. Then he remarked: ‘The family of ‘Abdullah has become so arrogant that they now associate with Allah those for whom He has sent down no authority.' Then, he added: “I have heard the Messenger of Allah, saying: “Verily, incantations, amulets, and love charms are acts of shirk (associating false gods with Allah).” The people said: “O Abu Abdullah! We are familiar with incantations and amulets, but what is a love charm (Al Tawlah)?”. He replied: “It is a sort of magical formula by which women sought to gain their husbands' love.” (Related by Al-Hakim and Ibn Hibban, and both consider it a Saheeh Hadeeth) Imran ibn Hasein reports that “the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saw a man wearing a bracelet of copper on his arm. The Prophet exclaimed to him: ‘Woe be to you' What is this?' The man replied: ‘I am suffering from weakness (al-wahinah).' (Al-wahinah is a disease that causes pain in the shoulders and hands. The man was wearing a copper bracelet believing it would relieve his pain and suffering. The Prophet, (pbuh) prohibited him from wearing it because he regarded it as an amulet) The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ‘It will give you nothing but pain. Throw it away. Had you died while wearing it, you would never have achieved salvation.” (Narrated by Ahmad) Isa ibn Hamza said: “I went to see ‘Abdullah ibn Hakim and his face was red due to high fever. I said to him: ‘Why don't you use an amulet?' He said: ‘We seek refuge with Allah from it. The Messenger of Allah, (pbuh) said: “Whoever wears anything as an amulet will be entrusted to it”.”' (Abu Daw'ud) Now a days, it has become a business in some countries. Enormous books are written and even in the Qur'an more than 18 pages in the beginning publish certain verses of each surah so people can use them to protect themselves, even from death. The ignorant people believe that if something is mentioned in the context of Holy Qur'an, it must be authentic and permissible in Islam. There are three kinds of amulets available in the market , ones with Qur'anic verses written on them, others with numerical charts and those with the names of angels and devils. These amulets are normally written by several unusual substances to make them appear more powerful and authentic, such as Zamzam water, saffron, blood, ink, and even urine. Wearing these amulets is equal to ascribing partners with Allah (shirk) and it certainly invalidates all the good deeds of a Muslim. A Muslim should avoid them and seek Allah's help in every aspect of his life. __
