The Mysterious World of Islamic Occultism: Signs and Sigils

Occult signs in Islam refer to symbols, gestures, or activities that are associated with supernatural powers or mystical practices. While Islam strongly condemns any form of occultism, there are certain signs that are believed to have a connection with the supernatural world. Although these signs are not encouraged in mainstream Islamic teachings, they have become popular among some individuals or sects. One of the most well-known occult signs in Islam is the hand of Fatima (also known as the Hamsa). This symbol originates from ancient traditions and is believed to protect the wearer from the evil eye. It is often seen as a hand-shaped amulet with an eye in the center or with various symbols and designs.

In 19 of the 22 countries where the question was asked, it is more common for Muslims to display verses from the Quran in their home than it is to have talismans or objects to ward off the evil eye. In Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa, seven-in-ten or more in all countries report having verses on display in their dwellings. This practice is somewhat less common in Central Asia and across Southern and Eastern Europe.

In Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa, seven-in-ten or more in all countries report having verses on display in their dwellings. Across the countries surveyed in Southeast Asia and the Middle East-North Africa region, fewer than half of Muslims say they ever enlist the aid of traditional religious healers.

It is often seen as a hand-shaped amulet with an eye in the center or with various symbols and designs. While this symbol has gained popularity in some cultures, it is important to note that it is not an Islamic symbol and is not mentioned in the Quran or Hadith. Another occult sign associated with Islam is numerology.

Baphomet

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• Christianity.com - What Is Baphomet and Who Worships this Diety?
• Learn Religion - Deciphering Eliphas Levi's Baphomet: The Goat of Mendes
• Ancient Origins - Baphomet: Was the Diabolical Demon Really Worshipped by Knights Templars?

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Christianity.com - What Is Baphomet and Who Worships this Diety?
• Learn Religion - Deciphering Eliphas Levi's Baphomet: The Goat of Mendes
• Ancient Origins - Baphomet: Was the Diabolical Demon Really Worshipped by Knights Templars?

Pat Bauer graduated from Ripon College in 1977 with a double major in Spanish and Theatre. She spent most of the next 42 years working as a copy editor and editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. She retired.

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Baphomet, invented pagan or gnostic idol or deity that the Templars were accused of worshipping and that was later embraced by various occult and mystical writers.

The first known mention of Baphomet was in a letter written in 1098 by Anselm of Ribemont describing the Siege of Antioch during the First Crusade. Anselm stated that the Turks “called loudly upon Baphomet.” Most scholars believe that the word refers to Muhammad, the founder of Islam. In 1307 Philip IV of France had every Templar in France arrested, accusing them of such heretical acts as idolatrous worship of a bearded male head called Baphomet. By the 19th century Freemasons had also been (falsely) said to worship Baphomet.

In his book Dogme et ritual de la haute magie (1861; Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual), the influential French occultist Éliphas Lévi created the Baphomet that has become a recognized occult icon. The book’s frontispiece was a drawing of Baphomet imagined as a “Sabbatic Goat”—a hermaphroditic winged human figure with the head and feet of a goat that is adorned with numerous esoteric symbols. Lévi describes the meaning of each element of the drawing, which is defined by its profound and pervasive duality. British occultist Aleister Crowley also adopted Baphomet, notably in his “Gnostic Mass.” More recently, the Satanic Temple commissioned a statue of Baphomet, which was unveiled in 2015 and then moved to various places as a protest against displays of Ten Commandments monuments in public spaces.

According to hadith, the Prophet Muhammad confirmed that the evil eye, borne by jealousy or envy, is real and capable of causing harm or misfortune. 24 In 20 of the 39 countries surveyed, half or more Muslims say they believe in the evil eye.

Numerology is the belief in the mystical significance of numbers, and some individuals or sects in Islam interpret certain numbers as having hidden meanings or powers. For example, the number 786 is believed to be a representation of the phrase "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) when using Arabic numerals. However, mainstream Islamic scholars reject the practice of numerology as it is considered an innovation (bid'ah) and goes against the principles of Islamic monotheism. Additionally, some individuals or sects in Islam may engage in practices such as amulet or talisman usage, seeking spiritual guidance from supernatural beings, or performing rituals to invoke spirits. These practices are considered occult in nature and are strictly prohibited in Islam. Islam emphasizes the worship of Allah alone and rejects any form of association with supernatural beings or powers. Seeking refuge or guidance from anything other than Allah is considered a major sin. In conclusion, while there are certain occult signs associated with Islam, it is important to clarify that these signs are not rooted in mainstream Islamic teachings. Islam categorically rejects occult practices and admonishes believers to worship Allah alone and reject any form of association with supernatural powers or beings..

Reviews for "The Mystical Tradition of Islamic Occultism"

1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was disappointed with "Occult signs in Islam". I was expecting a more in-depth exploration of the occult practices in Islamic traditions, but the book barely scratched the surface. The author seemed to lack a deep understanding of the subject matter and often relied on vague and superficial explanations. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to delve into a fascinating topic.

2. John - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of time. The author's arguments were poorly structured, and his interpretations of occult signs in Islam were far-fetched and unsubstantiated. It felt like he was grasping at straws to make his connections, and the lack of evidence was frustrating. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the occult in Islam.

3. Emily - 2.5 stars - "Occult signs in Islam" promised to shed light on an intriguing aspect of Islamic culture, but it fell short of my expectations. The author's writing style was dry and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Additionally, the lack of credible sources or scholarly references made me question the credibility of the information presented. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book.

4. Michael - 1 star - I found "Occult signs in Islam" to be poorly researched and poorly written. The author jumped from one topic to another, without providing any substantial analysis or evidence to support their claims. It was frustrating to read, and I would caution others against wasting their time on this book. There are much better resources available for those interested in understanding the occult in Islam.

The Occult Side of Islam: Unearthing Hidden Knowledge