The Hamsa Hand, which is an artistic rendering of an outstretched hand, is likely the most prevalent symbol throughout the Middle East today. This ever popular talisman, typically featured in jewelry and wall hangings, is thought to give protection from the “Evil Eye” (curses brought on by the envy of others) and to bring good fortune.

Found in both Muslim and Jewish homes, businesses, and adorning the necks of thousands from Morocco to Iran, the Hamsa has become something of a universal symbol, representing the shared histories and beliefs of the peoples of this vast region.

What is the History of the Hamsa?

Although the Hamsa has been associated with the Jewish and Muslim religions for centuries, the symbol has pre-Monotheistic roots. According to historians and archeologists, the Hamsa was created by the Phoenicians to honor their powerful moon goddess, Tanit. The Phoenicians, who dwelt in the Western Levant (modern day Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Palestine and Israel) from 1550 BCE to 300 BCE, were maritime merchants whose vast trade routes inevitably led to the swift dissemination of the symbol throughout the entirety of the Mediterranean.

The Hamsa Hand was brought even farther east as the Phoenicians were commissioned to build ships for the burgeoning Persian Empire. But the Hamsa’s Pagan history did not prevent it from becoming seamlessly embedded into the Jewish and Muslim cultures. On the contrary, the features of the Hamsa Hand fit perfectly within the symbolic threads of each religion.

Religious Associations While the religious associations given to the Hamsa Hand are mainly folkloric, the incorporation of the Hamsa into the fold of religious imagery demonstrates the depth of the connection these communities feel toward the symbol.

In Judaism and Islam alike, the Hamsa Hand is commonly referred to as “The Hand of God.” The extended hand is considered a reminder of the creator’s protection, with His hand unfurled to assist his creations in every moment. In keeping with the Phoenician idea that the Hamsa represents a powerful woman, both Islam and Judaism identify the Hamsa with influential women from their traditions. For Jews, the Hamsa is called “The Hand of Miriam” for the sister of Moses and Aaron, who were Israel’s first prophet and priest respectively. For Muslims, it is known as the “Hand of Fatima” for the Prophet Mohammad’s daughter, who was notably married to Ali, one of the first followers of Islam.

The Number Five

Hamsa is Arabic for the number five, which is a significant number in Judaism and Islam. In each religion, the number five stirs up connotations of law. There are five books of Moses as there are five Pillars of Islam. The sight of the Hamsa is a reminder to Jew and Muslim alike to keep these important doctrines in the forefront of their minds. In Jewish numerology, the number five is represented by the letter He (ה), which is one of the names of God.

In Kabbalistic numerology, five refers to the five worlds that characterize the structure of the universe and is also the number said to symbolize life, representing the sum of male and female energies.

The Hamsa in Contemporary Times

Today, many young Israeli Jews and Muslims wear the Hamsa as a symbol of solidarity and shared culture, one which reaches back to a time before they were separated by religious differences. Individuals young and old still wear them in the hopes of taking advantage of their protective powers and luck giving capabilities. To be sure, the Hamsa offers such a wide range of uses and meanings that no matter where you find one, you are likely to find a story.

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