Nehustan
Well-Known Member
To further consider the number five and as touched upon the symbol of the hand with its five digits is representative of many things, whether it be the letter shin, the name Allah, or the star hinted at inherently in the number 5.
The hamza is used by both sons of Abraham, with it being traced back thus to him. For the Arabs through the Banu Hashim, and with the daughter of Muhammad continuing that house it is commonly known as 'the hand of fatima'. Alternative Religions says...
This ancient symbol is used as a protective amulet by both Jews and Muslims. The Jewish name, Hamsa, is derived from the Semitic root meaning "five." It is called the Hand of Fatima by Muslims, named for the daughter of Mohammed. It is usually worn around the neck or hung on walls or over doors as protection from the evil eye.
an interesting image of the hamsa including the letter shin is seen below...
This gesture accompanies the Birkat Kohanim, or Priestly Blessing, an ancient Jewish custom. The Blessing is administered by members of the Kohanim, or priestly class, usually on holidays. The hands are spread into two "V" shapes, in the form of the Hebrew letter Shin () and symbolizes the light of the Shekhina, or Presence of God.
The blessing itself is taken directly from that given in the Book of Numbers:
"The Lord bless and keep you.
The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace."
The hamza is used by both sons of Abraham, with it being traced back thus to him. For the Arabs through the Banu Hashim, and with the daughter of Muhammad continuing that house it is commonly known as 'the hand of fatima'. Alternative Religions says...
This ancient symbol is used as a protective amulet by both Jews and Muslims. The Jewish name, Hamsa, is derived from the Semitic root meaning "five." It is called the Hand of Fatima by Muslims, named for the daughter of Mohammed. It is usually worn around the neck or hung on walls or over doors as protection from the evil eye.
an interesting image of the hamsa including the letter shin is seen below...
with the following exposition of the symbol, engraved hebrew, the symbol shin, and of course an attempt at invalidating the muslim use of the symbol to only the last 1400 years.
Interestingly nowhere does it allude to the symbol as gematriacally refering to Ruach Elohim...however again on Alternative Religions there is reference to the blessing of the Aaronite preisthood...
This gesture accompanies the Birkat Kohanim, or Priestly Blessing, an ancient Jewish custom. The Blessing is administered by members of the Kohanim, or priestly class, usually on holidays. The hands are spread into two "V" shapes, in the form of the Hebrew letter Shin () and symbolizes the light of the Shekhina, or Presence of God.
The blessing itself is taken directly from that given in the Book of Numbers:
"The Lord bless and keep you.
The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace."