Is it permissible to secretly remove blue beads and idolatrous horseshoes from homes and libraries, and is that considered theft? Is it true that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) secretly destroyed idols before the Hijra? And what is the authenticity of the hadith: "Whoever cuts off an amulet is as if he has freed ten descendants of Ishmael?"

Hanging amulets is a type of shirk (definition) (polytheism). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, incantations (ruqyah (definition)), amulets (tama'im), and love charms (tiwalah) are shirk." And "Whoever hangs an amulet has committed shirk." This is minor shirk, unless the servant relies on it completely, in which case it becomes major shirk. Removing these amulets is a reprehensible act (munkar) that must be changed by hand for whoever is able, but one must consider their capability and weigh the benefits against the harms. If removing it by hand leads to a greater reprehensible act, then it is not permissible. It is better to invite their owners with wisdom and good admonition. As for the hadith (definition) "Whoever cuts off an amulet is as if he freed ten of the children of Isma'il," it is not authentic. And what was narrated from Sa'id ibn Jubayr: "Whoever cuts off an amulet from a person is as if he freed a slave," it is mursal (lacks a companion in its chain of narration) and weak.