136- Ruling on hanging amulets consisting of words of Qur`an
Q: I see some people writing Ayahs (Qur`anic verses) and tying them around their necks. They say that this is to protect them from such and such. Is this permissible? Did the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) do similar acts?
A: This is not Mashru` (Islāmically permissible). This is, in fact called an amulet and sometimes is referred to as "Hirz" and "Jawami'". This is not permitted. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Anyone who ties an amulet, may Allāh not fulfill his aim; and anyone who ties a seashell, may Allāh not give him peace. The hanging of amulets is prohibited, which is writing Ayahs or invocations or Hadiths and then tying them around one's neck or arm. This is prohibited and it is obligatory to be warned of such acts. As for those who constantly recite lawful Adhkar (invocations and remembrances said at certain times on a regular basis), by reciting some Ayahs on oneself before sleeping, or reciting regular invocations, this is recommended by Shari'ah (Islāmic law). One should read Ayat-ul-Kursy (the Qur`anic Verse of Allāh's Chair, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255), Surah A I- Ikhlas and Al-Mu`awwidhatayn (Surahs Al-Falaq and Al-Nas) three times before sleeping. These are means for protection and safeguard. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to do this, and he (ﷺ) said: Anyone who recites Ayat-ul-Kursy will remain in the Protection of Allāh, and no devil will approach them until they awaken. You are advised to apply this; recite Ayat-ul-Kursy: Allāh! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyum (the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursī extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. [This Verse 2:255 is called Ayat-ul-Kursī ]) You should also say: 'I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allāh from the evil of that which He has created', three times, and say: 'In the Name of Allāh, Who with His Name, nothing can cause harm in the earth, or in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing', three times, in the morning and evening, and read Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah Al-Nas three times each after Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer, before sleeping and after Fajr (dawn) Prayer. These are all means for protection, which dispense with any need for using amulets, written and hung.
[Vol. 1, Page No. 348-349]