The Anti-flu bracelet is an amulet

8-3-2011 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is the bracelet that is worn to prevent flu considered an amulet, knowing that physicians believe it to be effective?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

 

There are three kinds of things that are worn to ward off harm or realize benefit. These are:

1-      The amulets that include writings of Shirk (polytheism) or mysterious words or that do not include any writings at all but reliable physicians believe them to be ineffective. The one who wears them risks falling somewhere between minor and major Shirk.

2-      The amulets that include verses of the Quran, Thikr (mentionings of Allaah) or supplications.  Scholars have different opinions regarding the permissibility of wearing such amulets; however, the majority of them believe it to be permissible. Nonetheless, it is preferable to avoid them for fear of misguiding the common people and those who are ignorant and non-religious and make them mix this permissible type with the first prohibited type.

3-      Things that have been proven by sense, experience and reliable physicians, to be of benefit, like binding the place above the snake bite with a bandage or a small rope to prevent its poison from flowing to the body and things of the sort. These are permissible.

Concerning the bracelet you mentioned that is said to protect a person against flu, this has not been supported by sense, experience or specialized physicians. Indeed, this could be the work of sorcerers and soothsayers and should thus be avoided.

Allaah Knows best.