The Khamsa in the form of the palm of a hand is an amulet used since ancient times to defend against the Evil Eye in the Middle East and North Africa. Khamsa literally means “five” in Arabic, referring to the five fingers, and is represented by the palm of a hand and five fingers. Khamsa is also spelled Hamsa, Khamsah, or Chamsa. While not of Islamic origin, the ancient symbol is sometimes known by the modern Muslim title of the Hand of Fatima Zahra (the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad) or the Eye of Fatima.
It is sometimes used to point to the Five Pillars of Islam. In Shi'ite Islam the Panjtan-e Pak or 5 holy people is represented (Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, Husayn). The Khamsa may be seen with an eye in the center of the palm, or a stylized eye as a dot or a jewel, which represents the Eye of Fatima or the all-seeing eye of God.
It is sometimes used to point to the Five Pillars of Islam. In Shi'ite Islam the Panjtan-e Pak or 5 holy people is represented (Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, Husayn). The Khamsa may be seen with an eye in the center of the palm, or a stylized eye as a dot or a jewel, which represents the Eye of Fatima or the all-seeing eye of God.
