The Hamsa is one of the most beautiful and ancient symbols in the world, but how many people really know what it means?
What is the Hand of Fatima?
Similar to the evil eye, the open right-hand symbol known as Hand of Fatima (or Hamsa Hand) is an amulet used for protection against destructive and evil forces since ancient Mesopotamian civilisation times.
The Hamsa (literally meaning five), also known as the Khamsa, the Humes hand, the Hand of Fatima and the Hand of Miriam, is a popular symbol found throughout the Middle East and northern Africa, particularly within the Islamic and Jewish faiths.
In Islamic culture, the five fingers of the hand are associated with the Five Pillars of Islam.
It is believed that it can bring power, blessing and good luck. You also very often see nazar boncuğu (evil eye) and this symbol used together on an amulet to protect against the evil eye.
Up or down?
It can be worn with the fingers pointing up or down, and both are believed to offer its owner happiness, peace, and prosperity, as well as protection from the evil eye.
The Hand of Fatima Necklace
Almost all Anatolian (Turkish) jewellery carries a special meaning and a story of its own. The Hand of Fatima Necklace is one such piece — a beautiful combination of silver and gold, featuring delicate silver hands. For generations, women in Anatolia (Turkey) have believed in the good fortune and protective power it represents.
A romantic legend
According to legend, Lady Fatima — daughter of the Holy Prophet Mohammed — was preparing helva in a pan in the garden when the door suddenly opened. Her husband, Caliph Ali, entered accompanied by his new bride, as Islamic tradition at the time allowed a man to have up to four wives.
Overcome with grief and shock, Fatima dropped the wooden spoon and continued stirring the hot helva with her bare hand. So deep was her sorrow that she felt no pain. Only when her husband rushed to her side and cried out, “What are you doing, Fatima?” did she suddenly feel the burning heat.
From that day on, the Hand of Fatima became a powerful symbol throughout the Islamic world, representing patience, abundance, protection, and faithfulness. Women and girls who wear this necklace believe it will bestow these virtues upon them, offering both strength and blessing in everyday life.
The Hand of Fatima is most often worn as a necklace but can be found as a decorative element in houses, on key chains, and on other jewellery items, and is quickly gaining popularity as an amulet in baby carriages.
This article was first published on 10 June 2021.
