Tahwita (تحويطة)
In Middle Eastern culture, a Tahwita (تحويطة) is a protective ritual. The word literally comes from the Arabic root meaning 'to surround' or 'to encompass.' It is a profound expression of maternal love—a moment of grounding and connection that feels like a 'warm blanket' of safety.
When my mom recites it to me, she creates a 'spiritual circle' of protection. She places her hand on my head or chest, making a circular motion around my face or where the pain resides, and then blows gently over me to finish the prayer (Ruqyah). Other times, she recites it over a cup of water to charge it with a blessing, then splashes my face in a sudden act to shock my system and 'break' the state of fear or envy.
I have encircled you, O this house
I have encircled you, O this house All around, as far as can be encircled
From your east, a wall
From your west, a wall
From your south, a wall
From your north, a wall
And the veil of the Creator is spread over us and over you
I have encircled you against the bear and its rumbling, the snake and the scorpion
Against the sons of sin, if they conspire, and the horses, even if they stir
O Mighty One, O Compeller.. Protect this house and its inhabitants
Until the sun rises over the mountaintops
And turbans rest upon the heads of men
حاوطتك يا هالدار
داير ما يندار
من شرقك سور.. من غربك سور
من قبلك سور.. من شمالك سور
وستار الباري علينا وعليك منشور
حاوطتك من الدب والدبدبة والحية والعقربة
من ولاد الحرام إن تشاوروا والخيل لو همهمت
يا عزيز يا جبار.. تحفظ الدار وصحابها
لتطلع الشمس عروس الجبال
والعمايم عروس الرجال
