Encyclopedia of Islam

Further reading: Kristin Brustad, Mahmoud al-Batal, 

and Abbas Tonsi, Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters 

and Sounds (Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University 

Press, 2001); Peter Daniels and W. Bright, eds., The 

World’s Writing Systems (New York: Oxford University 

Press, 1996); Gerhard Endress, An Introduction to Islam

(New York: Columbia University Press, 1988); Annema-

rie Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam (Chapel 

Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1975).

amulets and talismans

An amulet is a material object believed to pro-

tect a person or possession against evil forces. 

A talisman is an object believed to provide good 

fortune or have some benefit for a person or 

possession, though it can also have a protective 

function as well. The two terms are often used 

interchangeably. Amulets and talismans are often 

small enough to be worn on the body, but they can 

also be placed in a person’s home, workplace, or 

vehicle. Their use is attested in the religions of the 

ancient world, in tribal societies, and among the 

followers of the major religious traditions, includ-

ing the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, 

and Islam. In the comparative study of religions, 

scholars have classified the use of amulets and 

talismans as a form of magic—a way of looking 

at the world based on a belief that a person can 

manipulate natural and supernatural forces for 

good or bad purposes.

Though some Muslim scholars and reformers 

have criticized the use of amulets and talismans, 

making and wearing them is a widespread prac-

tice in traditional and modern Islamicate societ-

ies. They are known by various Arabic terms, the 

most common being hijab, hirz, tawiz, tamima,

and  tilsam. They can be simple objects, such as 

a bead, stone, piece of jewelry, relic from a holy 

place, or a drawing of an unusual animal or 

supernatural being. They often consist of pieces 

of paper with the 

names

 

oF

  g

od

, angels, saints, 

and 

Jinnis

 written on them, or select passages 

from the q

Uran

, such as the last two chapters (Q 

113 and 114), which are called the “protection-

seeking ones,” and the Throne Verse (Q 2:256). 

More elaborate amulets and talismans combine 

these elements with drawings of squares contain-

ing magic numbers, astrological symbols, and 

letters. Such magical objects are placed in a cloth 

bag, leather pouch, or case made of gold or silver 

and worn on the body. Small copies of the entire 

Quran are also commonly used as amulets and 

talismans.

People believe that amulets and talismans can 

help channel the power of blessing (

baraka

) to 

protect a child or valuable possessions, obtain a 

cure from a physical or mental illness, spark a 

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