Medieval Islamic Amulets, Talismans, and Magic

A Collection of Talismanic Bāzūbands from the Safavid and Qajar Epochs: A Descriptive and Analytical Study

“…29 In Morocco the word 'ḥirz', which means refuge, is used to refer to amulets, in Egypt, 'ḥijāb', which means covering or sheltering something, is referring to charm, in Iran, India, and the Ottoman empire, the term 'mūhr' which refers basically to earthly clay tablet of a sacred place; also used to refer to amuletic purposes. 30 Nonetheless, a talisman is any object that is imbued with protective powers, 31 and almost associated with zodiacal influence. 32 The word talisman is synonymous to the Greek word 'telesma' and the Arabic 'ṭilasm' and 'ṭalâsim', which means to make marks like magician.…”

“…39 Nonetheless, the term 'amulet' considered more effective. 40 In Talking about the emergence of amulet and talisman; they are antiquely rooted, since the time when animism satisfied man's spiritual needs. Primitive man seems to have adopted them because of an internal urge and desire to protect himself.…”

“…There has been a wide-ranging debate about what is allowed in Islam, and what is prohibited. 61 It was stated that Prophet Muḥammad  permitted using talismans against the Evil Eye. When he was asked for using spells against Evil Eyes, he  said: 'yes, for if there were any thing in the world which would overcome fate, it would be an evil eye'.…”

“…Although these objects are varied according to regions; they are almost encompassing certain idioms and symbols. 63 There are many verses from the Holy Qur'ān, which are believed to afford protection against the Evil Eye, of these sūrat Yūnus verse n o . 81.…”

“…It is worth mentioning that amulet holders in themselves are considered magically effective, so they can be used even without containing written spells. 67 Regarding the materials exploited in modelling amulets and talismans; they were, occasionally, made of semi-precious stones, such as carnelian ('aqīq) and chalcedony, 68 though, metals are basically exploited, iron and steel predominated. 69 In Iran (Persia) in the 12 th and 13 th centuries A.H./ 18 th and 19 th centuries A.D., two amuletic forms dominated.…”