Q 179: What is the ruling pertaining to necklaces of amulets, strings, rings, threads, cowrie shells (supposedly used to save one from the influence of the evil eye!), etc.?
A--- Abu Bashir Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that he had had (the opportunity of accompanying Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) in some of his journeys. Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) sent one of his messengers, 'Abdullah Ibn Abu Bakr said: I think he said (these words) when the people were at the places of rest: No necklace of strings be left on the necks of the camels or the necklace kept unbroken. Imam Malik said: To my mind (this practice) of wearing necklace round the necks of camels or animals was because of the fact that they (wanted to save them) from the influence of the evil eye.
(Bukhari and Muslim)
In addition, Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) sent a messenger ordering: "There shall not remain any necklace of string or any other kind of necklace round the necksof camels except it is cut off .” (Bukhari and Muslim)
In addition, Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Verily, (illegal) Ruqa and (all types of amulets) are (regarded as) disbelief" (Ahmed, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Al-Baihaqi and Al-Hakim)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) also says: "Whosoever wears an amulet, Allah the Almighty will not grant him success; and whosoever wears a cowrie shell, Allah the Almighty will not grant him prosperity.” (Ahmed and Ibn Hibban)
In another narration: "Whosoever wears an amulet, he becomes a polytheist.”(Ahmed and Al-Hakim)
He (Peace be upon him) said to the man who was holding an amulet:
"What is this?" The man said: "This is (an amulet) I hold because I feel some kind of physical weakness." He (Peace be upon him) said: "Take it off for it will not increase you but weakness, and if you die while wearing it, you will never prosper (in the Hereafter).”(Ahmed and AlHakim)
Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) cut a thread that was held by a man, then he recited Allah's Statement: {And most of them believe not in Allah except that they attribute partners unto Him [i.e. they are Mushrikun i.e. polytheists]}. (Yusuf, 106) (Compiled by Ibn Abu Hatim)
Sa'id Ibn Jubair said: "Whosoever cuts off an amulet of the neck of someone, this may equal setting a slave free.” (Compiled by Ibn Abu Shaibah)
Reference: 200 FAQ On Muslims Belief - Shiekh Hafiz Ibn Ahmed Al Hakami