The Ta'wiz or Tawiz is a locket usually containing verses from the Quran or other Islamic prayers and symbols. As a general rule it is worn with the belief that it will repel any evil intended for the wearer and will also bring him luck. As such it is intended to be an amulet. The word Ta'wiz is also used to refer to other amulets used in Islam. It may be a pendant, carvings on metal or even framed duas.
Hanging or wearing of amulets (Ta'wiz) is normally permissible for protection or healing provided certain conditions are met:
1. That they consist of the Names and of Allah and His Attributes;
2. That they are in Arabic;
3. That they do not consist of anything that is disbelief (Kufr);
4. The user does not believe the words have any affect in themselves, but are empowered to do so by Allah, the Most High.
Most Ta'wiz are made up of a small paper containing the prayers which is repeatedly folded and sewn inside a tiny cloth pouch, black in colour. A black thread is used to wear it as a locket. Wearing a Ta'wiz is popular in India and Pakistan.
Many Muslims object to Ta'wiz as they believe that wearing a Ta'wiz is shirk according to the hadith of Muhammad.
The opposing argument to this offered by some Muslims is that the said hadith relates to reciting the incantations or wearing the talismans of the time of ignorance and that the companions of the prophet also used Ta'wiz which they would have hardly done if it had been prohibited.
A Ta'wiz is shown in the movie Khuda Ke Liye where the American investigators misinterpret it as a secret code.
Muslims use written Ta'wiz which have Quranic verses on a piece of paper or other material. Usually it is written in ink or with saffron paste. There are various types of Ta'wiz in which the Quranic verses are written on small metallic sheets or pieces.
There are various types of ready made Ta'wiz available, but every single Ta'wiz is written for a specific purpose and problem.
