Revered across centuries as the Hand of Fatima that has been used for generations across numerous cultures and religions, primarily as a protective emblem to repel evil and misfortune. Its roots are commonly linked with the Islamic tradition, where it is named after Fatima Zahra, the honored offspring of the Prophet Muhammad. Fatima is widely honored in Islam for her piety, strength, and devotion, and the hand symbol is said to embody her five fingers, each standing for the core practices of Islamic worship or the five holy figures of the Prophet Muhammad himself — the Prophet, his beloved daughter, her husband, and their twin heirs.
Commonly, it is illustrated as an open right hand with a single eye at its palm, though diverse forms are found. The five fingers may also represent the the body’s primary channels of awareness in some interpretations the the classical forces of nature, according to local tradition. In numerous Islamic and کتاب حکمت قرن Mediterranean cultures, the Hand of Fatima is commonly found on thresholds, pendants, murals, and automobiles as a a shield against envy and ill fortune — a malevolent glare believed to cause harm or bad luck.
Born from Muslim tradition, the symbol has also been integrated into other traditions. In Judaism, it is known as the Hand of Miriam, honoring the sister of Moses, and is used similarly as a protective symbol. In faithful in historic Islamic-influenced regions, the hand has featured within religious art and folk practices, often decontextualized from its Islamic roots and treated as a general symbol of blessing and safety.
As generations passed, the Hand of Fatima has transcended its religious origins to become a globally acknowledged icon. It is commonly carried as a jewelry piece, not only for spiritual protection but also as a link to ancestral roots. Its enduring popularity is a embodying the deep-seated longing for security, tranquility, and spiritual unity.
Today, the symbol is appreciated around the world for its beauty and meaning, even by those who may not grasp its religious significance. Its minimalist yet powerful shape — the open hand with a central eye — still functions as the timeless triad of guardianship, devotion, and lineage across generations and borders.
