Iran: A ta'wiz or amulet case in silver and nielloware, used for carrying a short verse from the Qur'an for protection and good luck. The Arabic inscription on the face is the shahada or Muslim profession of faith in Kufic script.

Ta'wiz or Tawiz are lockets usually containing verses from the Quran or other Islamic prayers and symbols. As a general rule it is worn with the belief that it will repel any evil intended for the wearer and will also bring him luck. As such it is intended to be an amulet. The word Ta'wiz is also used to refer to other amulets used in Islam. Hanging or wearing of amulets (Ta'wiz) is normally permissible for protection or healing provided certain conditions are met: 1. That they consist of the Names and of Allah and His Attributes 2. That they are in Arabic 3. That they do not consist of anything that is disbelief (Kufr) 4. The user does not believe the words have any affect in themselves, but are empowered by Allah, the Most High Most Ta'wiz are made up of a small paper containing the prayers which is repeatedly folded and sewn inside a tiny cloth pouch, black in colour. A black thread is used to wear it as a locket. Wearing a Ta'wiz is popular in India and Pakistan. Many Muslims object to Ta'wiz as they believe that wearing a Ta'wiz is shirk (idolatry, polytheism) according to the hadith of Muhammad. (Photo by: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)