Tawiz (amulet)

A tawiz (Urdu: تعویز, Hindi: तावीज़),[1] muska (Turkish), ta'wiz, or taʿwīdh (Arabic: تعويذ) is an amulet or locket worn for protection common in South Asia.

[2] Tawiz is sometimes worn by Muslims with the belief of getting protection or blessings by virtue of what is in it.

[3] Tawiz worn by Hindus often bears the sacred Om symbol.

[4] The word ta'wiz, used in Urdu and Hindi comes from the Arabic.

[4][5] The Arabic word taʿwīdh, meaning "amulet" or "charm" is formed from the verb ʿawwadha, which means "to fortify someone with an amulet or incantation".

A tawiz. The black pouch contains a paper with duas (prayers) written on them.