In my country, we have gotten used to seeking the blessings of black cumin and use it to ward off envy as well as the effect of the evil eye by putting it over the clothes of the newborn or the bridegroom or in the pockets of those who are doing exams. What is the Sharee’ah ruling on this? Is this considered an act of Shirk (polytheism)?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Using black cumin contributes to healing many diseases by the permission of Allaah. ‘Aa’ishah said: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, saying: ‘This black cumin is a remedy for all diseases except As-Saam.’ I (‘Aa’ishah) asked, ‘What is As-Saam?’ He said: ‘(It is) death.’” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim. This is the wording of Al-Bukhari]

However, using it as a hanged amulet is a Bid‘ah  and implies minor Shirk (polytheism). In a Hadeeth, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever hangs an amulet has fallen into Shirk (polytheism).” [Ahmad. Al-Albaani: Saheeh (Authentic)]

This is when one uses it as a remedy from such diseases and in order to avoid them. However, if one believes that it is effective without the permission of Allaah, this constitutes major Shirk. We ask Allaah to grant us safety in this worldly life and the Hereafter.

Hence, we advise our brothers in countries which adopt such traditions to abandon them, as they violate the Sharee’ah.

Allaah Knows best.