The Usage Of Taweez

In principle the usage of a Taweez will be permissible if the following conditions are met:

1) The Taweez must consist of words of which the meaning is known (at least to the Ulama). Thus, those Taweez which have strange and unknown meanings (even to the Ulama) will not be permissible as there is a strong possibility that words of Shirk (ascribing partners to Allah Ta’ala) have been used therein.

2) The person using the Taweez should have correct beliefs. Thus, if a person has a belief like in the times of Jahiliyyah (ignorance) that the Taweez itself will cure him (and not Allah Ta’ala); it will be prohibited for him to use the Taweez as such a belief is Shirk.

3) Words of Shirk are not contained in the Taweez; i.e., no other deity besides Allah Ta’ala must be beseeched for goodness and cure. If the Taweez contains words whereby beings other than Allah Ta’ala are beseeched for help, such a Taweez will be prohibited.

Remember the Taweez is just a means, but Allah Ta’ala is the only Being that cures. 

In short, the permissibility of Taweez is subject to the case where one’s belief is correct (that only Allah Ta’aala is the Giver of cure) and the words used in the Taweez are the names of Allah Ta’aala, Quranic verses, Duas that are narrated or such words that do not have an iota of Shirk or Kufr in them.

Coming to your actual query, we understand from your words, “We have a Taweez that has been in our house for as long as I can remember” that this Taweez is not being used for a specific purpose by any individual in your house. It has probably been put up for general protection. Since you have a doubt regarding the contents of this specific Taweez, we advise that you remove the Taweez and respectfully bury it.

We suggest that you and your family turn to the many authentic Duas that appear in the Ahadeeth which one can recite for protection. Among them is the following:

Recite Surah Ikhlaas, Surah Falaq and Surah Naas thrice every morning and evening for protection from all harm (especially jinn possession, black magic, etc.)