In the heart of North Darfur, Sudan, the Berti people have long upheld a tradition that blends deep Islamic faith with mystical practices. Though they are devout Muslims following the Maliki school of Islamic law, their spiritual world is enriched by the use of Quranic amulets, known as taweez. These amulets, small yet powerful, are believed to provide protection, healing, and even influence over fate.
For centuries, the Berti have relied on religious figures, the fugara—respected scholars and spiritual healers—to craft these sacred objects. A simple piece of paper inscribed with verses from the Qur’an can be folded, wrapped in leather or cloth, and worn close to the body. Some amulets are hung at home to ward off evil, while others are dissolved in water and consumed as a cure for ailments.
Yet, these amulets are more than just spiritual charms. To many, they are tools of survival. In a world where evil spirits, envious eyes, and unseen dangers lurk, a well-prepared mascot can mean the difference between success and misfortune, health and illness, or even life and death. Some seek them for protection against weapons, ensuring that knives, bullets, and spears fail to harm them. Traders use taweez to attract customers, while others hope to secure love, respect, or victory in disputes.
Historical and Cultural Context
Islam came to Sudan centuries ago, spreading along trade routes and integrating with indigenous beliefs. Over time, the Berti developed their own interpretation of religious practice, one that emphasizes the tangible power of sacred words. Unlike mainstream Islamic scholarship, where the Qur’an is primarily understood as a text for recitation and study, in Berti society, it is also a physical force that can be harnessed. Qur’anic verses, when written down and carried, are believed to hold immense protective and transformative power.
This belief is reflected in the careful process of making taweez. The special paper used for amulets is imported specifically for this purpose and can be found in nearly every village shop. The words of the Qur’an, combined with names of angels, astrological symbols, and sacred numbers, create a fusion of Islamic spirituality and mystical energy. The faki (Islamic scholar and healer) who writes these amulets is seen not just as a religious leader but as a conduit for divine protection and power.
Over the years, as Sudan underwent political and social changes, the role of amulets evolved. Colonial rule, modern medicine, and formalized religious education all challenged traditional beliefs, yet the practice of wearing talisman remains deeply ingrained. Today, even as younger generations gain access to new sources of knowledge, many still turn to amulets for protection against life’s uncertainties. Whether it is a farmer hoping for a successful harvest, a merchant seeking prosperity, or a mother safeguarding her child from illness, the power of the charm continues to shape the lives of the Berti people.
Types of Quranic Amulets and Their Uses
1. Protection Amulets: Shields Against the Unseen and the Physical
Some of the most sought-after taweez are those that provide protection against harm. These can be worn on the body, buried in the home, or even hung over doorways to guard against malevolent forces. One such amulet, known as taweez al-tasrif, is believed to make a person immune to weapons—bullets, knives, and even swords are said to “miss” their target when faced with its power. Another form, the harrasa taweez, is displayed openly above the entrance of a house, ensuring that unwelcome spirits or envious individuals cannot enter.
But protection is not only against supernatural threats. Some Berti men carry courtroom talismans, intended to sway legal decisions in their favor, while others wear amulets that instill fear in their enemies, giving them an advantage in conflicts. The sheer variety of these protective charms highlights the deep-seated belief that the right words, written in the right way, can alter reality itself.
2. Healing Amulets: The Power of Sacred Words Over the Body
Illness is not always seen as a purely physical condition among the Berti. Many believe that sickness can be caused by evil spirits, the evil eye, or even unseen curses, and that medical treatments alone may not be enough. Healing taweez are inscribed with specific Quranic verses, sometimes including the 99 names of God, and are either worn, placed under a pillow, or washed into water and consumed.
For more severe ailments, some taweez are burned, with the smoke inhaled, in a practice that combines spiritual healing with physical purification. Women, in particular, tend to use talismans for protection against disease, reflecting their role as caretakers within the household. Unlike the weapon-deflecting mascots commonly carried by men, these amulets focus on preserving health, fertility, and well-being.
3. Amulets for Success: Love, Wealth, and Social Influence
Not all talismans are meant for defense—some are designed to attract rather than repel. In Berti markets, merchants often use taweez intended to bring in more customers andincrease profits. These amulets containverses with phonetic similarities to words related to trade and commerce, reinforcing the belief that language itself holds a mystical force.
Love and social standing also play a role in the demand for taweez. Some are crafted specifically to attract a romantic partner or keep a spouse faithful, while others help individuals gain respect and admiration in their community. There are even taweez used for scaring away rivals or making one’s presence intimidating, giving their wearer an upper hand in disputes.
4. The Batuta taweez: The Amulet of Thieves and the Unseen
Perhaps the most controversial of all is the batuta taweez, a charm used by thieves and those engaging in illicit activities. Unlike other taweez, which passively protect or attract, this one requires activation. The user must hold the amulet above their head, call out the name of their target three times, and then command the taweez to act. When used correctly, it is believed to put guards to sleep, make doors open silently, or render the wearer invisible.
To enhance its power, the batuta taweez is sometimes combined with ritual ingredients—the saliva of a dead person, the first menstrual blood of a young girl, or the fur of a newborn blind cat—each chosen for its symbolic association with secrecy, darkness, and the unseen. While many religious figures condemn its use, its existence reflects the complex and sometimes morally ambiguous role of talismans in Berti society.
How Amulets Are Made and Used
The Berti believe that the power of an amulet comes not just from the Qur’anic verses it contains but also from how it is prepared, who writes it, and how it is used. Every step—from selecting the materials to the final placement—determines its effectiveness.
1. The Materials: Special Paper, Ink, and Sacred Covers
The first step in crafting a taweez is choosing the right materials. The paper used is not ordinary paper—the sheets are usually 13 inches by 18 inches, making them some of the largest pieces of paper available in rural areas. However, once the taweez is written and folded, it shrinks to a much smaller size, often as tiny as one inch by one inch, allowing it to be carried discreetly.
The ink used to write the Qur’anic verses is just as important. While some fakis use standard ink, others insist on making their own from plant extracts, soot, and even saffron.
Once written, the taweez is folded in a specific pattern and encased in either leather or cloth. Some talismans, however, are left uncovered—especially those meant to be placed in homes rather than worn on the body.
2. The Writing Process: Quranic Verses, Names, and Symbols
The faki who prepares the taweez does not write randomly; every stroke of the pen follows a structured formula. Depending on the purpose of the taweez, the faki may inscribe:
- Quranic verses related to protection, healing, or success.
- The 99 names of Allah, chosen based on the specific need of the wearer.
- The names of angels or jinn, believed to have influence over human affairs.
- Astrological symbols or geometric patterns, which add an extra layer of mystical power.
Some taweez also include tables filled with Arabic letters and numbers. These seemingly random sequences are actually based on numerology, where each letter has a spiritual significance. The placement of letters within a table is believed to create a specific energy that enhances the amulet’s effectiveness.
3. The Rules and Rituals for Handling taweez
Owning a taweez comes with responsibilities. It is believed that improper handling can weaken its power or even bring misfortune. Some of the key rules include:
- The owner must be ritually clean (having performed ablution) when handling the taweez.
- It should never be placed on the ground or in impure places.
- A taweez meant for protection or success should be kept close at all times—losing it could mean losing its effects.
- If a talisman becomes worn out or damaged, it must be properly disposed of, either by burning it or burying it in a clean place.
Conclusion
Despite skepticism, changing times, and theological debate, taweez remain a deeply embedded part of Berti culture. For many, their power is not just in the words written inside but in the belief that they work. Whether seen as spiritual tools, cultural relics, or controversial objects, taweez continue to shape the daily lives of the Berti, reflecting the complex relationship between faith, tradition, and the human desire for protection and control.