Khamsa

The Khamsa (Arabic: خمسة, Khamsa,' literally "five-fold", Hebrew: חמש, Hamesh, literally "five"). An alternative Islamic name for this charm is the Hand of Fatima or Eye of Fatima, in reference to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Muhammed. An alternative Jewish name for it is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to the sister of Moses and Aaron as well as the Hamesh Hand. It serves as an ancient talismanic way of averting and getting protection from the evil eye, or more generally of providing a "protecting hand" or "Hand of God". It appears, often in stylised form, as a hand with three fingers raised, and sometimes with two thumbs arranged symmetrically. The symbol is used in amulets, charms, jewelry, door entrances, cars, and other places to ward the evil eye.

Some sources link the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah, the Jewish name for the first five books in the Old Testament scriptures, or to the Five Pillars of Islam, the core principles of Sunni Islamic faith, though this significance may have been attributed after the fact to a symbol that quite possibly pre-dated both religions.

In recent years some activists for Middle East peace have chosen to wear the hamsa as a symbol of the similarities of origins and tradition between the Islamic and Jewish faiths.

Islamic Traditions

Though the symbol holds much significance for many Muslims around the world it is widely believed to predate Islam. The use of talismans and general superstition is forbidden by the Qur'an. The symbol was previously used in Punic religion, where it was associated with Tanit. Hamsa plaques, usually made of turquoise colored pottery, are readily found in modern Egypt.

Jewish Traditions

In Israel and in Jewish culture globally it is most commonly known as "hamesh" or "chamesh", and does not have any Islamic connotations. In Israel, most hamesh hands are amulets. Modern Israeli hamesh hands are sometimes made as wall plaques in which a hand written Hebrew prayer is placed in the center.

Some talismans and variations feature the Sh'ma prayer or doves or dove-shaped hands. They are commonly designed similar to mezuzas and as keychains. They can be found in shops in the old city in Jerusalem.

External links

Symbols | Islam | Jewish mysticism | Jewish Islam topics

Hand der Fatima | Jamsa | חמסה | 邪視 (中東) | Hamsá

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Islamic Traditions

Jewish Traditions

See also

External links