AMULETS

Arabic Hama'il , "anything suspended"; Ta'wiz, "a refuge"; Hijab, "a cover."

Amulets, although of heathen origin, are very common in Muhammadan countries. The following are used as amulets: (1) a small Qur'an, encased in silk or leather, and suspended from the shoulder; (2) a chapter or verse of the Qur'an, written on paper and folded in leather or velvet; (3) some of the names or God, or the numerical power (see ABJAD) of those names; (4) the names of prophets, celebrated saints, or the numerical power of the same; (5) the Muhammadan creed, engraven on stone or silver. The chapters of the Qur'an generally selected for Amulets are: Surahs i., v., xviii., xxxvi., xliv., lv., lxvii., lxxviii. Five verses known as the Ayatu 'l-Hifz, or "verses of protection," are also frequently inscribed on Amulets. They are Surahs ii. 256; xii. 64; xiii. 12; xv. 17; xxxvii. 7. [AYATU 'L-HIFZ.]

These charms are fastened on the arm or leg, or suspended round the neck as a protection against evil. They are also put on houses and animals, and, in fact, upon anything from which evil is to be averted. Strictly, according to the principles of Islam, only the names of God, or verses from the Qur'an, should he used for amulets. Information regarding the formation of magic squares and amulets will be found in the article on Exorcism. [EXORCISM, DA'WAH.]