Spiritual meaning of the hand of Fatima

There are some symbols that we often see in everyday life, on the street, in bracelets, tattoos, but of which we do not know the true meaning.

The Fatima’s hand (hamsa) is one of them, and has become a amulet very popular in recent years.

Its history has origins very old and is linked to the theme of femininity, beauty, fertility and love.

If you have wondered what Fatima’s hand is for, read on.

What is Fatima’s hand like?

The hand of Fatima is a symbol that represents an open hand with the five fingers visible.

The index and ring fingers are the same height, as are the thumb and little finger symmetrically outward, while in the center the middle finger stands out, somewhat longer than the neighboring fingers.

Depending on the culture in which it is inserted and its purpose, it can be used as a jewel, to repel bad luck or as protection emblem Inside a house.

There are two particularly famous variants of the hand of Fatima. The first is derived from religion muslim (or the hand of Fatima with an eye in the center of the palm, which is called the Eye of Allah).

The second is the version Hebrew which features a Star of David in the middle.

Origin and meaning of the Hand of Fatima

The hand of Fatima is also known in the world by the name of Miriam’s handhand of the Divine Eye, hamsa either khamsaterms meaning “five”, a very important number for the Jewish, Christian and Muslim religion.

Tracing the history of this symbol and amulet is not easy, as its ancient origins intersect in different aspects and in various cultures.

According to the most accredited theories, the hand of Fatima dates back to the Sumerian cult of Inanna and the Assyrian-Babylonian cult of Ishtar.

In both religions, these were the goddesses in charge of love, fertility, beauty and representatives of the fertility of the Earth.

This particular symbol would later be taken up by the Jews, renamed Miriam’s Hand, in honor of the sister of Moses and Aaron, and would later also spread among Arab populations as an emblem of power.

Throughout the centuries and in different religions, the hand of Fatima continues to be an expression of the presence of Godwho sees and supervises everything.

For this reason, the open hand is used as an amulet of protection against the evil eye and negativity.

The meaning of the hand of Fatima for Jews

For the Jewish religion, five is a sacred and extremely important number. Thus, the five fingers represent the Torah books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

It also indicates both H.E.the fifth letter of the alphabet that coincides with one of the names of God, such as five senses which are essential to pray to the maximum.

Jewish culture has strongly influenced Christian culture, especially in the East. In fact, the Christians of those areas have assimilated the hand of Fatima to another feminine divinity, no longer Miriam, but the Virgin Mary.

The meaning of the Hand of Fatima for Muslims

In the Muslim religion, the five fingers represent the five pillars of worship (prayer, the pilgrimage to Mecca, almsgiving and fasting), on the other hand reconnects to hamsa with the story that sees Fatima and her husband Ali as protagonists.

Fatima was Mohammed’s daughter and had married her father’s cousin, Ali, with whom she was deeply in love.

However, one day, while preparing dinner, the husband returned home with a new wife. Fatima, who was cooking at that moment, threw away the ladle with which she was stirring her stew.

She felt so distressed for the new wife that she continued stirring the food with her hand, not realizing that it was burning.

For Muslims it represents the virtues of Fatima: patience and self-denial.

The symbolism of the hand of Fatima today

Today, the hand of Fatima is a way to protect yourself from other people’s negativity and envy.

Due to the legend of the daughter of Mohammed and Alì, it is considered an amulet for love: it would help lead to a happy life as a couple, increase fertility and ensure healthy pregnancies.

Muslim women usually wear this silver pendant, the metal of the prophet, as protection against the evil eye.

The position of the hand of Fatima

Finally, there is a curiosity about the “position” of the hand. The image with fingers pointing upwards It is a protection against any evil that may come to a person, such as envy, evil eye, jealousy, anger.

While the one who looks down It is more oriented towards attracting good things than repelling bad things. The talisman acquires the most typical meaning of a lucky charm, as it grants virtues such as happiness, love, and good luck.

How to activate the hand of Fatima

To activate Fatima’s hand you need a glass with water and salt; Mix well and leave the water under the sun for five hours.

Then, immerse the talisman in the salt water and leave it there for a full day. The next day, he takes out Fatima’s hand and waters a plant with the water.

Photo credit: iStock, Michal Golán
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