What is meant by an amulet (tamimah) and the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "An amulet is not what is hung after an affliction; rather, an amulet is what is hung before an affliction"?

The narration attributed to 'Aisha - may Allah be pleased with her - states that the forbidden amulet (tamimah) is that which is hung before the affliction descends, whereas what is hung after it is not considered an amulet. Al-Hakim and Al-Dhahabi both agreed on its authenticity.

This means that hanging something containing the names of Allah or Quranic verses after an affliction has descended is permissible, because it falls under the meaning of lawful ruqyah (spiritual healing). However, before the affliction descends, scholars have differed on the permissibility of hanging amulets from the Quran and supplications.

An amulet (tamimah) is anything hung to ward off harm or bring benefit. It is named thus because those who hang it believe it perfects their affairs and protects them.