Hanging talismans, amulets and charms are considered as forbidden or wholly undesirable – even they contain verses from the Qur’an or Hadith as ruled by eminent companions such as Ibn Mas’ud and others.

Imam Ahmad reports that the Prophet (peace be on him) said, “charms, amulets and talismans are akin to shirk (associating partners with Allah.)”.

As Imam Ibrahim al-Nakha’i said, “Ibn Mas’ud considered hanging amulets or talismans or charms with contents from the Qur’an also as wholly undesirable.”
However, there are some scholars made an exception in regards to those with the Qur’anic verses, while forbidding others. Since issues like these are matters of essential belief, we are best advised to shun all doubtful practices.

If such practices were recommended then the Prophet (peace be upon him) would have been anxious to protect his children and grandchildren and the hundreds of Muslim children brought to him for invoking divine blessings and protection. His advice to all of them was limited to prescribing reading of the mu’awwadhaat (protective devices for spiritual immunity): reading fathiah, ayaat al-kursi, the last three surahs of the Qur’an) and specific du’as and supplications.

In conclusion, we are best advised to limit to the well established precedents, rather than following the questionable practices. The Prophet’s golden rule should be our guide in such matters: “Leave that which is doubtful in favor of that which is not doubtful.“.

I pray to Allah to grant us rectitude in thoughts, words and actions and thus become worthy of those who place their sole trust in Allah.Amen.