The history of the Arab world is deeply intertwined with the use of amulets and talismans. Since the earliest periods, these objects have been used to protect bodies, cattle, and houses from the attacks of evil spirits and, most specifically, the “Evil Eye.” While the primitive Arabs (those living before the Christian Era) used simple, uninscribed pieces of stone, wood, and bone, the system evolved dramatically. By the first six centuries of our era, pagan Arabs began incorporating ideas from Hebrew, Egyptian, and Gnostic writings. This transition was sanctioned by Muhammad himself, who recorded the history of Solomon as a magician in the Kuran and emphasized the power of the magical names of Allah.
The Anatomy of a Talisman: Materials and Craftsmanship
The construction of a talisman – taweez is a precise art governed by traditional rules. The most basic modern form consists of a piece of paper inscribed with a prayer, a spell, a verse from the Kuran, or a magical name. The Furzan taweez are known as the items which are as close as possible to the ancient items. However, the physical properties of these objects are crucial. A “holy man” must write the inscription using black ink. In cities like Cairo, there is a strong preference for ink manufactured in France or England because it “bites” into the paper, making the spell permanent. In contrast, native inks made from charcoal and water or burnt sheep’s wool are easily washed off, which is seen as a disadvantage for a lasting charm.
For more significant protection, higher-quality materials are employed. Talismans and Kuranic Surahs are often written on the skin of a gazelle, with a particular preference for the skin of an unborn animal. These precious documents are then rolled and placed inside silver tubes or cases. Some of these silver cases are ornate, while others are simple cylinders designed to be worn around the neck or under the left arm.
The Seal of Solomon and the Seven Signs
The “Seal of Solomon” is a cornerstone of this magical tradition. Historically, there has been confusion between the pentacle and the hexagon, but the pentacle is much older, appearing on Babylonian pottery. The pentacle was supposedly engraved on the bezel of Solomon’s signet ring.
In the “Seven Seals” amulet, the pentacle is the first of seven signs that represent the great Names of God. These seals are arranged in a complex grid, often a rectangle of forty-nine squares (7 on 7 grid). Each line of this grid serves a specific purpose in the hierarchy of protection, invoking everything from celestial bodies to the names of the Divine.
The Hierarchy of the Seven Seals
The detailed structure of the “Seven Seals” amulet illustrates the complexity of Solomonic protection. It is organized into seven distinct categories:
- The Seven Signs: Starting with the pentacle of Solomon, followed by other symbolic representations of God’s power.
- The Seven Letters: These are specific Arabic letters—F, G, SH, TH, ZA, KH, and Z—which are unique because they do not appear in the first Surah of the Kuran.
- The Seven Names of God: Attributes starting with these letters, such as Fard (The Unique), Gabbar (The Mighty), Shakur (The Grateful), Thabit (The Stable), Zahir (The Manifest), Khabir (The Aware), and Zaki (The Pure).
- The Seven Archangels: Names of Hebrew origin including Rukyail, Gabriel, Samsamâîl, Michael, Shariyail, Anyail, and Kasfyail.
- The Seven Kings of the Djinns: Spirits such as Mudhhib, Murrah, Ahmar, Burkan, Shamhurash, Abyad, and Maymun.
- The Seven Days of the Week: Sunday through Saturday.
- The Seven Celestial Bodies: The Sun, Moon, and the five known planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn).
The Science of Letters and Mathematics
In the Arab and Persian tradition, letters are seen as the “essence of things” Each of the twenty-eight letters of the Arabic alphabet is linked to the twenty-eight stations of the Moon. Scribes often used secret alphabets or “eye-scripts” consisting of circles and lines that appear incomprehensible to the uneducated, but carry deep spiritual weight. Even a single letter, like the Alif, can be used to build a complete protective design.
This linguistic mysticism flows into the “science of mathematics.” Every letter has a numerical value, allowing names of power to be converted into numbers. The number 4 is particularly vital, representing the four archangels, the four cardinal points, and the four elements. This mathematical balance is why most amulets must be square.
Magical squares are the most advanced form of this science. A 3 on 3 square, for instance, uses numbers 1 through 9 arranged so that every row, column, and diagonal adds up to 15. Similarly, a 4 on 4 square uses numbers 1 to 16 to sum to 34. These squares are not merely puzzles; they are seen as mathematical proofs of divine order and are used to ensure the wearer’s safety.
The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah
The document emphasizes the importance of the Asmau ash-Shifat or the “Beautiful Names” of God. Muhammad taught that God has ninety-nine names, and whoever recites them with faith shall enter Paradise. In the world of talismans, these names are used for specific functions:
- Al-Malik (The King)
- Al-Hafiz (The Guardian)
- Ar-Rakib (The Watcher)
- Al-Hakim (The Ruler/The Wise)
- Al-Khabir (The Aware)
The name “Allah” is considered the “essential name” (Ismu az-Zat). These names are often inscribed in silver or on paper to bring the attributes of the Divine directly into the life of the wearer.
A Legacy of Protection
From the ruins of Babylon, where lead amulets with magical names have been found, to the modern markets of Cairo and Tehran, the legacy of King Solomon as a master of spirits lives on. The use of sacred geometry, mathematical squares, and the 99 names of Allah creates a system where the written word becomes a physical shield. Whether it is the tribal marks on a Bedouin’s face, remnants of ancient amuletic symbols or a sophisticated silver “Seven Seals” pendant, these objects remain a vital part of the quest for divine protection against the unseen forces of the world.