What is the hand of Hamsa?

Answer

The Hamsa (also spelled Khamsa) is a Middle Eastern amulet supposedly symbolizing the “Hand of God.” The Hamsa is shaped like an open hand and is used as a good-luck charm to ward off the evil eye and other curses. Some believe the amulet can attract happiness, wealth, and good fortune. The Hamsa, along with other talismans like the rabbit’s foot, the horseshoe, and the bindi, are rooted in superstition and falsehood.

The term Hamsa originates from an ancient word meaning “five,” likely in reference to the five fingers of a hand. Certain Jewish traditions connect the five fingers of the Hamsa to the five books of the Torah. Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, associate it with the Five Pillars of Islam.

Within Jewish tradition, the Hamsa is sometimes referred to as the Hand of Miriam (Moses’ sister). In the Muslim community, it may also be known as the Hand of Fatima (Mohammed’s daughter). However, most scholars believe the symbol predates both Muslim and Jewish cultures. Occasionally, the Hamsa amulet features an open eye in the palm of the hand. Other variations include fish, flowers, or Hebrew inscriptions in the design. The orientation of the Hamsa, fingers-up or fingers-down, can vary in different cultures and contexts. It is common for people to wear the Hamsa as jewelry or display it in their homes. In any case, the Hamsa is always depicted as a form of protection against evil.

Like all human-made symbols, the precise meaning and implications of the Hamsa differ based on the cultural setting. Nevertheless, Christians are urged to refrain from engaging in superstitious practices and all forms of magic (2 Kings 21:6;Colossians 2:8-10). There is no necessity for Christians to rely on a magical talisman for protection against evil. While some may view wearing the Hamsa as a fashion statement, the symbol’s associations suggest that it is preferable for a Christian to

Avoid it. We do not want to give the impression to others that we are seriously looking for good luck or magical protection from evil spirits.

Looking to the Hamsa as a good-luck charm shows a lack of faith in the one true God. The same God who created the universe has sufficient power to control the events in our lives. Those who are sealed by the Spirit “who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”, (2 Corinthians 1:22) do not need to fear the evil eye or any other curse in this world.