Q: Is it permissible to write some Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) on a piece of paper, put it in water and then drink it? Or to put such paper under the pillow, or by the door of the house?

A: It is permissible to recite some Ayahs on water for the sick and ask them to drink it, for this is reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Sunan Abu Dawud, Kitab Al-Tib "Chapter on Medicine". However, it is impermissible to wear amulets whether they contain Ayahs of the Qur'an or any other thing, bearing in mind that there are two kinds of amulets: First, those that contain Ayahs from the Qur'an. Second, those that contain things other than the Qur'an. (Part No. 1; Page No. 315) Our Salaf (righteous predecessors) had two different opinions regarding amulets containing Ayahs from the Qur'an: First, such amulets are not permissible. This is the view of Ibn Mas`ud, Ibn `Abbas, the apparent meaning of the statements of Hudhayfah, `Uqbah ibn `Amir, and Ibn `Ukaym. This opinion is also followed by a group of Tabi`un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet) such as the followers of Ibn Mas`ud and Ahmad in a narration preferred by many of his followers and ascertained by later scholars. However, this opinion is based on what was narrated by Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and others on the authority of Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying, Spells, charms and love-potions are Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Commenting on this, Shaykh `Abdul-Rahman ibn Hasan Al Al-Shaykh (may Allah be merciful to him) said in Fath Al-Majid, "This is the proper opinion for three reasons which are very clear: First, the generality of the prohibition without any specification. Second, Sadd-ul-Dhara'i` (blocking the means leading to sins) as it may lead to wearing amulets which contain something other than the Qur'an. Third, these Ayahs worn as amulets may be degraded; for instance when entering the toilet and performing Istinja' (cleansing the private parts after defecation)." Second: It is permissible to use amulets containing Ayahs of the Qur'an. This is the opinion of `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`As, the apparent meaning of what has been narrated by `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), and the opinion followed by Abu Ja`far Al-Baqir and Ahmad according to one narration. They all regarded the previous Hadith as referring to amulets that entail Shirk. (Part No. 1; Page No. 316) On the other hand, amulets containing things other than the Qur'an or the Names and Attributes of Allah are Shirk due to the generality of the Hadith: Spells, charms and love-potions are Shirk. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.