Ḥirz (lit. ‘place of safety, sanctuary’) originally signified a means of divine protection or stronghold, and this meaning is often found in prayers where God is mentioned as ‘my Stronghold’, but according to Muslim folk beliefs it has come to mean special prayers which can be recited or written in a talisman or amulet. This semi-magical form of devotional ḥirz is thought to provide safety from all kinds of malignant and harmful forces, whether in the form of enemies, such as humans, jinn or Satan, or misfortunes, such as disaster or sickness. It is believed that performing c…