Labels

Moroccan amulets and symbols

The most important Moroccan amulets and their meaning

Table of contents




Intro


The practice of carrying amulets or charms to bring good luck or good health through protection against disease has an extremely long history. Amulets and talismans are more ancient than today's religions. 

As such, the tradition of making and wearing protective amulets has been brought over to all religions. They may have been altered or paired with the ancient beliefs which came before the religion. Sometimes, the strongest symbols are recreated into amulets. 

What can we consider an amulet? Any object that can be worn, carried, or is simply owned can carry protective signs, symbols, inscriptions such as prayers. Amulets or their "heart" are often fully hidden and covered but sometimes, their task is to be fully visible. 

I have long been planning to publish this writing representing some of the key symbols, talismans that you can get to see or find on any objects in Morocco. Thanks to the mixing of ancient cultures with Islamic beliefs Morocco is a land that's particularly abundant in symbols. These can be featured on pottery, necklaces, jewelry, doors, and in the form of domestic decoration. It took me a great deal of time to find out more about the ancient world of Berber symbology. 

 Some of these symbols are those that tourists may frequently encounter during their trip in Morocco. Many symbols are present on Moroccan cookware (pottery) some have key importance in Moroccan Arabic /Berber culture.  Many of these amulets would appear on buildings ( inside and/or outside) on clothes as well.I will continue to enlarge this post when I happen to find any further symbols, amulets or talismans of note.


Islamic writings, objects and recitations used as Amulets




It is important to note that for Sunnis the wearing of amulets is only permitted when the amulet contains Quranic verses but many consider these still haram at the same time. This is why, if somebody wants to wear any tribal amulets or talismans it's haram, forbidden. 
Amulets, charms, magical arrangements of words or figures, incantations, and exorcism are all widely practiced in the Muslim world. Women have traditionally worn talismans and amulets made of glass beads and semiprecious stones all across the Arabic/Islamic world. Women are thought to be more superstitious than men partly because they are excluded from the religious life centered at mosques.

Although Islam doesn't encourage the use of amulets, there are some symbols of key importance taken from Quran or Quranic verses or by other cultural/religious associations. Hereby, I would like to introduce you to some of the most important Quranic symbols often used as amulets protection.

Reciting Surahs for protection
Surat Al Ikhlas with beautiful calligraphy with the name of Allah on top


 For Muslims particularly Sunni it is taught that the Quran and strong belief stands above the wearing of any amulets as belief is the strongest protection from all evil.  Reciting Surahs or Duas serve as well for protection as an amulet would. However, these Surahs are also found on or inside protective amulets and can be present on walls with beautiful calligraphy.

 1. Surah Al-Falaq
Surah Al-Falaq is about seeking the protection of Allah (S.W.T.) from all forms of evil, found in the dark, sorcery, and envy of others. These are commonly believed as the source of evil that befalls us.
2. Surah An-Naas
Surah An-Naas is about seeking the protection of Allah (S.W.T) as well. However, in this case, it is protection from the form of whispers, ‘evil eyes’ and also Jinns.
3. Surah Al-Ikhlaas
4. Surah Al-Fatihah A Surah that all Muslims should know or be familiar with; it’s even on the first page of the Al-Quran.

Amulets and Talismans in Islam


The most efficacious talismans are those that are inscribed with prayers that evoke the name of God and the prophet Muhammad and his companions. The ninety-nine names of God, verses from the Qur’an, and sayings of the Prophet (hadith), for example, are appropriated and regenerated into texts that are meant to be good omens. Talismans that contain inscriptions with the names of prophets and religious figures have the power to protect an individual from hardship and danger by acting as conduits between these holy figures and anyone carrying the talisman. This is also true of devotional manuals by religious leaders (shaikhs) with passages stating that whoever reads them will be protected from demons and supernatural beings (jinn). The written story about a prophet can be protective as well, with pictorial representations of that prophet and the omens associated with him.


The Hand of Fatima /Khamsa Ø®Ù…سة‎  




There is rarely such an important symbol in the Islamic world like the hand of Fatima, a symbol that's destined to protect the home, place, or person. Hand of Fatima is Hamsa in Arabic that means 5. Hand of Fatima is often featured outside the homes, on the walls and it can also hang from home handles. Khamsa can also represent itself on any cookware. There is also special cookware which has the shape of the Khamsa. While Khamsa is said to be older than Islam, the 5 fingers today both represent the name of Allah, and they also represent the 5 pillars of Islam. This is why Khamsa today is among the most important amulets with a very strong Islamic message. 


Nazar - Evil Eye




Nazar in Arabic ‏نظر‎ meaning sight, surveillance, attention, and other related concepts) is an eye-shaped amulet that comes in dozens of shapes and forms but yet remains easy to distinguish is believed to protect against the evil eye. While the Hand of Fatima also bears the evil eye it is an ancient protective motif that can be featured independently or on a khamsa on its own. Evil Eye protects from the bad will, the bad looks, and the bad intentions. Despite Sunni Muslims deeming most talismans and amulets Haram, Khamsa and the evil eye are among those few, which could stand the chance and are widely accepted. 

It is commonly believed that the evil eye can be given in the guise of a compliment, signifying its connection to the destructive power of jealousy. Amulets such as the Nazar are used by common sayings such as "an eye for an eye", where another eye can be used to protect the recipient of the malefic gaze. The evil eye causes its victim to become unwell the next day unless a protective phrase such as "With the will of God" ("MashAllah" in Arabic) is recited. 

 The classic evil eye beads originate from Turkey the small beads are nowadays made especially in Izmir, to where the tradition is said to be originally brought by Arabic bead makers.  The tradition of the evil eye and the wearing of the amulet dates back to the ancient Greek then Roman times. They did not wear beads or amulets back then. But they drove away from the effect of the evil eye by taking out a fisheye and stepped hard on it. 

The Mysterious Holy Letters of the Qur’an – kaf ha ya ayn sadd




This calligraphic page is inscribed with chapter 19 (Surat Maryam) from the Qur’an. Boldly written in thuluth script are five Arabic letters (kaf ha ya ayn sadd) that appear at the beginning of the chapter. These single letters are some of the ‘mysterious letters of the Qur’an’ which precede 29 of the 114 chapters. They are said to have magical protective properties and are often found engraved on amulets. All around, in tiny Naskh script, the rest of the chapter is inscribed.  



Taweez


Taweez decorated with verses from the Quran


The ta'wiz, tawiz, Muska, or taÊ¿wÄ«dh is an amulet or locket usually containing verses from the Quran and/or other Islamic prayers and symbols about black magic. The Tawiz is worn by some Muslims to protect them from evil.  A Taweez is a locket that is generally associated with Islam although one can also find ones that are associated with Hinduism too. It usually contains verses from the Quran or other prayers and symbols related to Islam inscribed on the metal portion of the Taweez. If you decide to wear it, it's said to have protective powers after 3-4 days and it also needs firm belief all the time. A Taweez is a metal or black cloth pendant that is usually threaded through a thick black string and worn around the neck or arm.

Pictures and symbols of prophets or important events 


It's important to note here, that carrying pictures of prophets as an amulet is strictly haram for Sunnis. However, carrying signs which have beneficial effects, luck, goodwill attributed for them may be allowed. This is why some symbols are extremely widely seen in Islamic art. 

The secret of the six-pointed hexagram - the sign of Salamon ( Suleiman) 


The Six-Pointed hexagram is widely present in Arabic -Islamic arts and architecture. 


The representations of certain prophets are more efficacious than others, with Solomon’s as the most powerful of all. Solomon could talk to animals and supernatural beings, and was renowned for his wisdom; Bilqis, queen of Sheba, was converted to monotheism by witnessing that wisdom The Qur’an states Solomon’s authority in some verses (see Qur’anic verse 27:17) and his apotropaic seal, a six-pointed star or hexagram, occurs on many surfaces, such as a wood panel, mosaics, pottery, artworks, pendants a blade and a scroll. 

For the Shia, the images of Muhammad’s cousin ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib and those of Imam ‘Ali, son-in-law of the Prophet, with his two martyred sons Hasan and Husain, also carry apotropaic properties (

Ali’s miraculous sword (Dhu’l figure) becomes a relic and talismanic object in Islam and is represented across various media.

The 99 names of Allah

Inscriptions, jewelry, architecture, calligraphic pictures containing some or more of the 99 names of Allah are widely worn by believers, with the best luck attributed to all these symbols. Dubai has even invented their own unique diamond cut, that has 99 facets all representing one name for Allah.

the 99 names of Allah is widely presented in various forms of artwork




The magical force of the story of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus -(ashab al-kahf, or “people of the cave”) 





There is rarely a story as inspiring as the story of the seven sleepers in the Holy Quran. This legend tells the tale of 7 believers in hiding who with the help of Allah manages to escape from those who want to capture and hang them because of their faith. They were accompanied by their dog Qitmir. The story, its reading, remembering it brings great luck by the grace of Allah. This is why the pictures remembering the Seven sleepers all supposed to bring luck. 

The story of the miracle of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus which is the subject of a chapter in the Qur’an (Surat al-Kahf), has particular powers for many Muslims. The act of reciting the story protects the reader from harm, just as the Seven Sleepers and their dog were protected all those years.

Is wearing a Taweez Haram or Halal?

Taweez is generally worn by most Sufis as well as a minority of Muslims and the belief is that it will help remove and protect the wearer from any evil or affliction that may be brought upon them through black magic. Not only that, but it is also believed to bring good luck. As such, it is can be called an amulet or a talisman. However, the use of a Taweez is considered by many Muslims to be a form of Shirk. Shirk refers to the sin of practicing idolatry and polytheism. However, some proponents argue that wearing of a Taweez is permissible in Islam as long as certain conditions are met.

Types and Significance
Several different types in different shapes and sizes are being used depending on the need the person has. There are Taweez for love, for wealth, for success, and so forth. However, basic Taweez are based on the four elements namely earth, fire, water, and air.
The word Taweez can also refer to another type of amulets which could be a pendant, carvings on metal, and even framed Duas. Most Islamic scholars in the Middle East object to the use of this religious pendant.

 The proper way to destroy it to tear it or break it up into 4 pieces. Then the Allahu Samad needs to be read 101 times over the pieces before being disposed of in flowing water.

Taweez is also often sold at markets throughout the Islamic countries. 






The Louha pendants - featuring the Hand of Fatima


The Louha is a pendant often worn by Amazigh or Rif tribes. It often features one or more key symbols. The top amulet is engraved with a Star of David atop a magic square, a common protective gesture among Berber. Bottom Amulet is engraved with a Hand above a Seal/Shield for protection.  

Louha comes in the shape of an arch or Mihrab that represents the Gates of Heaven and brings good luck to their bearers. They often feature other different symbols, such as salamander, dagger, evil eye and other. 

Louha with barber writing and Jewish
characters
Beautiful Louha featuring a dagger that has a form of bear tooth
representing and adding extra male potency


The Power of the Horseshoe


this is what Islamic architecture calls the Horseshoe arch


The Horseshoe arch was originally derived from early Muslims in Morocco whose Islamic Belief System contained some of the superstitions of the indigenous Berber Tribes People. The design stems from the historic use of the Horseshoe in Morocco in which it was both a superstitious and symbolic emblem. 

The Horseshoe itself too was supposed to provide protection against the evil eye and bestow good fortune. This belief is even maintained to the present day. Horseshoes are occasionally still to be found above the front doors of houses to ward off malevolence and encourage good fortune into one's home.


Berber Mythology and Symbols


Old photo of Berber bride wearing a traditional Berber jewelry


Berber tribes have lived throughout all Northern and Central Africa before the Arabic /Islamic occupation. In Morocco there are numerous tribes living in the Atlas mountains and throughout Morocco. While most Berber families still talk their own language and keep the local traditions they are also Muslims. Today it's very hard to differentiate between Berber and Arabic people in Morocco.

 Berbers refer themselves as the Imazighen/Amazigh meaning "The Free People". The Berber symbols, designs, motifs, and tattoos originated from pre-Islamic beliefs influenced later by Islamic geometric patterns and ornamentation. As the word "Berber" itself means "man" it's not very good to use in Morocco. Using the word Amazigh is much better. 

 Berber tribes have their own religion and belief which today have sort of amalgamed into their Islamic beliefs. They still use a wide range of symbols when creating jewelry and other artworks. According to the tradition, Berber jewelry is made out of silver. 

The Baraka Symbology


The Moroccan Berber belief in barakah, loosely interpreted as “the positive power of the saints and the Sufi brotherhoods” is also reflected in Berber jewelry through the use of symbols, designs, motifs, colors, and techniques that protect the object, creator and consumer. Berber jewelry is full of protective symbolism, from the five-fingered hamsa (the “Hand of Fatima”) to the 6/8-point star, to magic numbers and crosses known as the Berber Cross.
Berbe style Khamsa featuring a Mihrab and blessing in Arabic inside the Mihrab


Textiles and other objects are created as an act for worship and tribute to Allah. Many objects may contain a Baraka. The Baraka does not exist only in amulets or talismans but in any kind of object to deal with darker forces and curing illnesses. In North Africa there are still some symbols to be found such as, magic squares and geometric figures (triangles, spirals, crosses, eight-pointed stars, circles, diamonds.

The symbols presented on the upcoming pictures can often be spotted on Berber artifacts of all sorts: pottery, carpets, textiles, jewelry, tattoos, copperware, ironware, and cookware. 

Berber Symbols and talismans 


Referring to the key symbols used by the key tribes who lived in Morocco before the Islamic conquest. These days, they are mainly referred to as Atlas tribes, Rifi, or Amazigh.

The design of Berber jewelry is strongly influenced by the ancient Berber script, Tifinagh, based on which Berber languages are written. The characters in Tifinagh reflect a simple geometry of corners, circles, triangles, and dots. This abstract minimalism is used to create motifs that distinguish every piece of Berber jewelry. 

Amazigh Talismans


Berber religion and its representation




Berbers had (and many still have) their religion they exercised long before the arrival of Islam. To date, Berber artifacts include their ancient beliefs (including Baraka), and the most significant god, goddesses were still featured although in codes and by symbols only they knew of.

The key mythological creature for all Berber tribes is a goddess who they refer to as Tanit, Tannout, Tinnit all across Southern and Saharan Africa. The goddess was a significant figure in Punnic and then later on in the Phoenician religion this is also attributed to be the ancient birthplace of Berber tribes. Tannit or Tannat is often being referred to as Mother. Tannit and her partner Baal-Hamon are also often featured together. Tannit was the goddess and protector of the town of Carthage (Dea Caelestis). How her cult transited to Northern Africa remains a mystery. 

Berber tribes often call Tannout for abundant crops, they prayed to her in times of drought to bring rain. She was a virgin goddess and also the symbol of fertility. After the arrival of Islam, it was strictly forbidden for Berbers to pray to another god. This is why, although they continued to feature Tannut on important jewelry ( bridal) and artifacts they did so with the use of certain symbols the meaning of which they knew only. Even the symbol of Tannout is supposed to bring luck for Berber tribes. 


The Berber Cross - Boghdad


Berber cross beautifully decorated

Berber cross in classic shape although shapes almost vary slightly depending on the tribe



It's way more than an amulet although it also supposed to protect from Jinns. It's considered one of the most important symbols which also serves as keys to identification.

 A Berber tribe was known as the Tuareg (often called “the blue men” because of their indigo robes and headdress) are identified by the crosses they wear. Each Tuareg village has its unique cross. 

The Tagmout pendant





Many don't know but several Berber tribes have welcomed Jewish families during the times of inquisition when they had escaped to Morocco from Spain. The Jewish culture has therefore had several effects on Moroccan-Berber culture and this also shows in their artifacts. Lots of Berber jewels carry Jewish symbols and Hebrew writings. 

The Tcherot Talisman





Amulets are usually filled with magical substances such as prayers, magic numbers, or sand is hidden inside to protect its wearer. They exist in many different shapes, forms, and materials. They are supposed to bring luck and blessings (Baraka) and to drive the evil away. The effectiveness of the talismans lies in the belief in their intrinsic power that derives from the metal of which they are made (silver, iron, copper, brass), from their content and their shape. In the Tuareg language (Tamahaq), the literal sense of the word “Tcherot” means “letter”, “message” or “paper on which something is written”. The Tcherot often has the form of a metal or leather box, lozenge-shaped or rectangle or square. Here we find the female symbols: “X” as a basic shape may be regarded as descended from the Stone Age civilization of the Mediterranean area, lozenge and triangle which are cut out of the dark leather-like eyes; and also spirals.

The Techerot often has a sheet of paper, closed and sealed, on which is written in Arabic, one or more verses of the Quran selected by an Imam or a Marabout, at the request of a person who wants to be protected from the evil eye, curses, hatred, diseases or also to receive favors or luck.

In other cases the Tcherot can hold a sheet of paper on which is written magic letters, numbers, names of days, names of the stars and planet, or signs representing the eye, revealing the esoteric practices well known by the Marabouts. Other times a Tcherot may contain desert sand, small objects, or simply the “whiff” of the Marabout.

The Summary of Berber symbols and their meaning

It took me quite a research to find these tables which feature a great deal of Amazigh/Berber symbols and their meanings. If you check out their textiles, carpets, wall carpets, pottery, jewelry you will find one or more of the below symbols represented on them. Many of the symbols are applied in all sorts of orders. 
I hope you liked my blog. I know it is not strongly related to cookery but it is related to Moroccan culture and as such Berber culture (Amazigh culture). I will put in more details as soon as I find more. 

Check out my post on Moroccan Carpets which often feature the symbols enlisted in this post of mine.

Labels:

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 12, 2021 at 5:57 AM

    Excellent & very enlightening! Thank you for your efforts. Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts