Sterling Silver Hamsa Earring

An alternative Muslim name for the Khamsa is the Hand of Fatima, in reference to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Jewish communities sometimes use the name Hand of Miriam, in reference to Miriam, the sister of the Prophets Moses and Aaron. Nevertheless, the Arabic name Khamsa is more commonly used in the region.

One explanation for the symbol is that it is designed to ward off the evil eye - five fingers in the eye to blind the jealous or malevolent person.

Some associate the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah for Jews, the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunnis, or the five People of the Cloak for Shi'ites. This symbolism may have evolved at a later stage, in view of the fact that archaeological evidence suggests the hamsa predates both religions. It is thought by some to have originated with the Phoenicians to honor Tanit who was a patron of Carthage.

In recent years some Jewish activists for Middle East peace have chosen to wear the Khamsa as a symbol of the shared traditions between the Islamic and Jewish faiths. The fingers can point up or down.