What is Hamsa:
hamsa It is a term of Arabic origin that means “five”, in reference to the 5 fingers of the human hand.
The hamsa is present in several Eastern doctrines, such as Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, with its own meanings according to each religion. The hamsa, or “hand of Mirian”, a term used in the world of the Jews, although also known as “hand of Fatima” by Muslims, and by Buddhism called “Abhaya Mundra”.
As such, it is adopted as a amulet for protection from the evil eye, and any misfortune.
The “hamsa hand” symbol is characterized by representing the design of a symmetrical right hand with five fingers: the middle finger in the center, on its sides the ring finger and the index finger, a little shorter than the heart and equal between yes, and at the ends two thumbs, the same size and somewhat curved outwards.
Sometimes, it contains other symbols such as eyes, stars of David, fish, and others with the intention of strengthening the power of hamsa that has countless representations. For example: when it is represented with the fingers together, the amulet serves for good luck, in the case of having the fingers separated it is used to ward off negative energies, according to popular tradition.
In relation to the above, Muslims relate the five fingers of the hand to the pillars of Islam, while Jews attribute the symbolism to the five books of the Torah.
Fatima’s hand
The hamsa also acquires the name of Fatima, because the prophet Muhammad had a daughter that Muslims venerate with great devotion.
Fatima, busy in the kitchen preparing food, upon hearing that her husband Ali arrived unexpectedly, goes out to greet him, and her great surprise is that he was accompanied by a beautiful concubine. Fatima, with a prudent and silent attitude, returned to the kitchen with great sadness, she did not pay attention to her actions, and she had a pot on the fire with boiling broth and she put her hand in to stir the stew.
Fatima, due to the strong pain that was going through her heart, did not feel the physical pain, but Ali saw what was happening and rushed at her, screaming, at which point Fatima realized that she was burning her hand and wrist. took out of the pot.
By virtue of the above, “the hand of Fatima” represents good luck and the virtues of patience, fidelity and fertility. In addition, protection, especially for pregnant women, for its protection of the womb.