Abdullah Bin Mas'ud said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: “Verily, incantations, amulets and Tiwalah are Shirk.” (Abu Dawood, no. 3883) Jabir said: “I had an uncle who used to treat people with incantations for the scorpion's sting. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade incantations, he came to him and asked him: ‘O Messenger of Allah, You have forbidden incantations, and I treat those who are stung by scorpions with incantations.' He (peace be upon him) said: ‘He who can help his brother, let him do so.'” (Sahih Muslim, no. 2199) How do we compromise between the Hadith which forbids, and that which permits? What is the ruling on wearing an amulet (taweez) containing Qur'anic words on the chest of the affected person? A – The forbidden words for incantations are those containing Shirk, beseeching other than Allah, or meaningless words. But incantations that are free from such things, are legitimate, and are among the great means of healing. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no harm in incantations as long as they do not include Shirk. (Sahih Muslim, no. 2200) And he (peace be upon him) said: “He who can help his brother, let him do so.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 2199) He also said: “No incantation for other than the envious eye or venomous sting.” (Al-Bukhari, no. 5705) This means the most affective and beneficial incantation is that which is used in these two cases. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was himself treated with incantation, and he treated others with it. As for amulets, wearing it is not permissible. They are called trinkets. The most valid opinion is that they are a form of Shirk, and unlawful, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “He who wears an amulet; may Allah not help him, and he who wears a shell; may Allah not protect him.” (Ahmad, 4/154) “He who wears an amulet commits Shirk.” (Ahmad, 4/156) And he (peace be upon him) said: “Verily, incantations, amulets and Tiwalah are Shirk.” (Abu Dawood, no. 3883) The scholars are at variance regarding the legality of wearing amulets containing Qur'anic verses. The correct verdict is that they are unlawful, for two reasons: 1. The general prohibition of wearing any kind of amulets according to the Prophetic traditions whether they contain Qur'anic Verses or not. 2. Leaving no room for words of Shirk, for if the amulets containing Qur'anic verses were allowed then they may be confused with other amulets. That will keep the door open to Shirk, and all kinds of amulets would be worn on that ground. It is known that closing the door to things that lead to Shirk and evil deeds is one of the greatest objectives in Islamic jurisprudence. It is Allah who grants success. – Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baz; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 1 pg. 40. __
