The hamsa is a talisman used by people of the Islamic and Jewish faiths to ward off “the evil eye” and offer protection. Its earliest use predates Islam and is linked to the goddess Tanit. It is also known as the “hand of Fatima” or “Miriam’s hand” and has become a symbol of peace in the Middle East.
A hamsa is a type of amulet, symbol, or talisman commonly used by people of the Islamic and Jewish faiths, although members of other faiths may also use it. Also called a hamesh hand, it looks like a hand with three fingers pointing up and the thumb and little finger pointing outward. The palm of the hand is commonly covered by one eye. This symbol is meant to ward off “the evil eye” and offer protection from the hand of God.
History
The earliest use of a hamsa predates Islam, even though the name hamsa is Arabic. Some people link this symbol to its use by the Phoenicians or Punics in honor of the goddess Tanit. She was considered the patroness of Carthage and a goddess who controlled the lunar cycle. Many people identify Tanit as a possible type of Greek goddesses such as Hera and Athena.
Meaning and uses
Jews also use the hamsa symbol to ward off the so-called “evil eye”. For many Jews the symbol is connected to the five books of the Torah and is used for many things. Wall plaques, key rings and amulets often feature this symbol. Representations of the symbol might also include the words of some Jewish prayers.
Wearing amulets or amulets is technically against the law of the Quran, but in Islamic countries one can often see plaques or other objects depicting the hamsa symbol. Also, some people relate the five fingers of their hand to the Five Pillars of Islam.
Other names
Muslims often call this symbol “the hand of Fatima” or “the eye of Fatima,” a reference to Muhammad’s daughter. Jewish people may refer to the hamsa symbol as “Miriam’s hand,” a reference to Moses’ sister who is said to have watched over baby Moses and ensured that their mother would nurse her after she was found by the pharaoh . Daughter. Some Christians call it the “hand of Mary,” a reference to the mother of Jesus.
Symbol of peace
Some Middle East peace advocates have taken to wearing the hamsa to symbolize this goal. When worn this way, it represents the common ground shared by Jews and Muslims and the common source from which the Jewish and Islamic religions spring. Instead of being a talisman thought to have protective qualities, it becomes a gesture of hope for peace in the war-torn regions of the Middle East.
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