Tawiz (amulet)

A tawiz (Urdu: تعویز, Hindi: तावीज़),^[1] muska (Turkish), ta'wiz, or taʿwīdh (Arabic: تعويذ) is an amulet or locket worn for protection common in South Asia.^[2]

A tawiz. The black pouch contains a paper with duas (prayers) written on them.

Tawiz is sometimes worn by Muslims with the belief of getting protection or blessings by virtue of what is in it.

It is intended to be an amulet. The word ta'wiz is used to refer to other types of amulets. It may be a pendant, carvings on metal, or even framed duas.^[3]

Tawiz worn by Hindus often bears the sacred Om symbol.^[4]

Etymology

The word ta'wiz, used in Urdu and Hindi comes from the Arabic.^[4][5] The Arabic word taʿwīdh, meaning "amulet" or "charm" is formed from the verb ʿawwadha, which means "to fortify someone with an amulet or incantation".^[6]

See also

• Al-Falaq
• Al-Fatiha
• Al-Nas
• Throne Verse
• Kautuka
• Mannat
• Nazar (amulet)