Q 2: Respected shaykh, I have an aunt, my father's sister, her problem is that when she starts her pregnancy or even knows of her pregnancy, she wears a Hirz (protective amulet) on her chest, in the shape of a small book covered by a piece of cloth which is closed by stitches. If she happens to remove it or cast it away, she miscarries and the baby comes out as stillbirth. My question is: What should we do about that? Would you please help us, may Allah reward you for what you will do for us!

A: Wearing such a book on the woman's chest when she gets pregnant; in order not to miscarry and the belief that if she removes this amulet or casts it away (Part No. 1; Page No. 126) from her chest, she will miscarry, is considered one of the forbidden Shirk-based amulets.If this woman believes that this amulet, and not Allah, brings about good or evil, she will be guilty of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islam) that takes her out of Islam, may Allah forbid! Such belief contradicts Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah) and Tawakkul (putting one’s trust in Allah). Good and evil are in the Hands of Allah Alone.But if she believes that such amulets are mere causes upon which some events depend and that Allah is the Provider of good and evil then she commits minor Shirk (associating other partners with Allah that is not tantamount to taking the Muslim out of Islam). Generally, this is proven by what was narrated by Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) says, [Illegal] Ruqyahs, amulets and love-potions are [acts of] Shirk. Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud. Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) says, If someone ties an amulet, Allah will not accomplish his affairs for him and if someone ties a cowrie shell, Allah will not protect him. Narrated by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad, Ibn Hibban in Mawarid Al-Zam'an, and Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak. According to another narration of Imam Ahmad: Anyone who wears an amulet commits an act of Shirk. In a Hadith Marfu` (a Hadith narrated from the Prophet with a connected or disconnected chain of narration) narrated by `Abdullah ibn `Ukaym: Anyone who wears any luck charm will be left to it [and will be deprived of Allah's Help]. Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Al-Tirmidhy. As for the miscarriage that takes place when that woman removes or casts away this amulet, it is the work of (Part No. 1; Page No. 127) Satan and not due to keeping such an amulet. This is proven in what Abu Dawud narrated in his Sunan; It was reported that Zaynab, the wife of `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud, said: `Abdullah saw a thread around my neck. He said, "What is this?" I said, "It is a charm for me." Then she said, "He took it and tore it apart then said, 'You, family of `Abdullah should be the remotest people from Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship); I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say, '[Illegal] Ruqyahs, amulets and love-potions are [acts of] Shirk),'" so I said, "I had shaking eyes and I used to frequent so and so, the Jew, and whenever he cast a spell, my eyes stopped moving." `Abdullah said, "Verily it is an abomination of Satan's handiwork, as he was pricking them with his hand and whenever he (the Jew) cast the spell, he stopped doing that. It is enough for you to say what the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say, i.e. 'O Lord of mankind! Grant cure for you are the Healer. There is no cure but from you, such cure which leaves no illness behind.'" Narrated by Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, and Al-Hakim who said that it is a Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith). It was approved by Al-Dhahaby. Consequently, this woman should abandon wearing such an amulet in order to protect her religion and `Aqidah (creed) and keep them safe and sound and give up that act in favor of other acts that are approved by the Shari`ah (Islamic law), including Ruqyah using the Qur’an, Allah's Most Beautiful Names, authentic Adhkar (invocations) and Prophetic supplications which are intelligible and include no prohibitions. Moreover she should put her trust in Allah totally, return to Him in prosperity and adversity, and ask Him for protection from every evil, for He Alone is the Provider of good and evil. Whoever puts his trust in Allah and depends on Allah in all his matters, Allah will suffice him, facilitate his matters and relieve his distresses. Allah, the Exalted says, (Part No. 1; Page No. 128)  And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.