Ruling on Amulets

11-4-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the ruling on amulets? Can we pray behind one who makes and sells amulets?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Any amulets, Thikr (mention of Allah), or Du'a that is in the Quran or the Sunnah is permissible. Amulets are of two kinds:

Firstly, amulets that contain only Quran or Thikr: Scholars differed in opinion concerning the ruling about amulets that only contain verses from the Quran or lawful supplications. But the soundest opinion is that it is unlawful to make them or use them, as these amulets might lead to using Shirk amulets. Also, these amulets that contain Quran might be disrespected by wearing them while in the toilet or in other impure places.

Secondly, talisman amulets that contain enigmatic words, or Shirk (associating partners with Allah), or innovations are totally forbidden, even if they contain some Quran or Thikr.

So, one can pray behind an Imam who makes the first kind of amulets. But if it is possible to replace him with another Imam who does not make such things, then this is better, or at least he should be advised to give up indulging in such an act. But if this Imam makes amulets of the second type, it becomes unlawful to pray behind him and it is obligatory to replace him if he does not give up such acts.

For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 262186, 92114, 91549, and 27047.

Allah knows best.