Source: Fatawa of the Scholars of Hadith, Volume 09
◄ Some scholars deem them permissible.
◄ However, the stronger and more cautious opinion is that even such Taweez should be avoided, because the prohibitory Hadiths are general and include all types of amulets, whether they contain Qur’anic verses or not.
"Whoever hangs a Tamimah (amulet), may Allah not fulfill his wish."
(Musnad Ahmad: 17404, Abu Dawood: 3883, Ibn Majah: 3531, Sahih al-Albani)
In another Hadith:
"Whoever hangs a Tamimah has committed Shirk."
(Musnad Ahmad: 17422, Al-Hakim: 4/216, Sahih al-Albani)
"Whoever wears a Taweez has committed Shirk."
(Musnad Ahmad: 16781)
"What is this?"
The man replied that it was for an illness called Wahinah. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Remove it, for it will only increase your weakness. If you die wearing it, you will never prosper."
(Musnad Ahmad: 17404, Al-Hakim: 4/418, Sahih al-Albani)
"Whoever removes a Taweez from a person, it is as if he has freed a slave."
(Ibn Abi Shaybah: 7/375)
◈ The more cautious opinion is to avoid even Qur’anic Taweez.
◈ Ruqyah is allowed if it consists of Qur’anic verses and authentic Prophetic supplications.
❖ Question
Is wearing a Taweez (amulet) considered minor Shirk (Shirk Asghar)? Is it permissible to use amulets containing Qur’anic verses?❖ Answer
➊ Use of Taweez
If a Taweez contains words or phrases of Shirk and one venerates it, this is considered major Shirk (Shirk Akbar). However, if someone believes that the Taweez brings protection or safety but still acknowledges that it is only effective by Allah’s will, then it is deemed minor Shirk (Shirk Asghar).➋ Taweez Containing Qur’anic Verses
There are two scholarly opinions regarding Taweez that contain verses from the Qur'an:◄ Some scholars deem them permissible.
◄ However, the stronger and more cautious opinion is that even such Taweez should be avoided, because the prohibitory Hadiths are general and include all types of amulets, whether they contain Qur’anic verses or not.
➌ Prohibition in Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:"Whoever hangs a Tamimah (amulet), may Allah not fulfill his wish."
(Musnad Ahmad: 17404, Abu Dawood: 3883, Ibn Majah: 3531, Sahih al-Albani)
In another Hadith:
"Whoever hangs a Tamimah has committed Shirk."
(Musnad Ahmad: 17422, Al-Hakim: 4/216, Sahih al-Albani)
➍ Practice of the Companions
It is narrated from ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir (RA) that a group came to the Prophet ﷺ. He took the pledge of allegiance (Bay‘ah) from nine people, but refused the tenth because he was wearing a Taweez. The Prophet ﷺ cut it off and said:"Whoever wears a Taweez has committed Shirk."
(Musnad Ahmad: 16781)
➎ Another Example of Wearing Amulets
The Prophet ﷺ once saw a man wearing a brass ring, and asked:"What is this?"
The man replied that it was for an illness called Wahinah. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Remove it, for it will only increase your weakness. If you die wearing it, you will never prosper."
(Musnad Ahmad: 17404, Al-Hakim: 4/418, Sahih al-Albani)
➏ Reward for Removing a Taweez
Sa‘id ibn Jubayr (رحمه الله) said:"Whoever removes a Taweez from a person, it is as if he has freed a slave."
(Ibn Abi Shaybah: 7/375)
➐ Ruling on Ruqyah (Spiritual Healing)
If the Ruqyah (spiritual remedy) is based on Qur’anic verses or authentic Prophetic supplications, it is permissible. But if it contains Shirk-related phrases or ambiguous words, it is prohibited.❖ Summary
◈ Wearing a Taweez containing Shirk phrases is major Shirk (Shirk Akbar).◈ The more cautious opinion is to avoid even Qur’anic Taweez.
◈ Ruqyah is allowed if it consists of Qur’anic verses and authentic Prophetic supplications.
