Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
Some people keep a knife near their children to protect them from the evil of jinn. Is this practice correct?
Answer:
This practice is objectionable and impermissible because it has no valid basis in Islamic law. The proper way to protect children from harm is to recite the supplications that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite over Hasan and Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them). The supplication is as follows:
"I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, every poisonous creature, and every evil eye."
[Narrated by Bukhari in the Book of Prophets]
Additionally, one should pray to Allah to protect the children from all harm. Keeping a knife or any other object made of iron, wood, etc., near children with the belief that it will protect them from jinn is an objectionable and impermissible act. Similarly, the use of amulets (taweez) is also impermissible, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
"Whoever wears an amulet, may Allah not fulfill his wish."
[Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar 4/325]
In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever wears an amulet has committed shirk."
May Allah grant Muslims understanding in religion and steadfastness upon it, and protect all of us from acting against the Shariah.
Question:
Some people keep a knife near their children to protect them from the evil of jinn. Is this practice correct?
Answer:
This practice is objectionable and impermissible because it has no valid basis in Islamic law. The proper way to protect children from harm is to recite the supplications that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite over Hasan and Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them). The supplication is as follows:
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ، مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
"I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, every poisonous creature, and every evil eye."
[Narrated by Bukhari in the Book of Prophets]
Additionally, one should pray to Allah to protect the children from all harm. Keeping a knife or any other object made of iron, wood, etc., near children with the belief that it will protect them from jinn is an objectionable and impermissible act. Similarly, the use of amulets (taweez) is also impermissible, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
"Whoever wears an amulet, may Allah not fulfill his wish."
[Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar 4/325]
In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever wears an amulet has committed shirk."
May Allah grant Muslims understanding in religion and steadfastness upon it, and protect all of us from acting against the Shariah.