From me, `Abdul`Aziz ibn `Abdullah Ibn Baz to my dear Muslim brother, may Allah safeguard him! May Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you! To proceed;
I have received your letter, may Allah be pleased with you! Also, I have reviewed the enclosed documents on the properties of the copper bracelet recently made to cure rheumatism. I have considered the whole matter more than once and discussed it with a number of university lecturers. We exchanged opinions on the juristic ruling on the copper bracelet, but there were different opinions on the matter; some regard it permissible as it has properties of curing rheumatism, whereas others see that it is better not to wear it, on the ground that wearing it is like the practice of the people of Jahiliyyah (preIslamic time of ignorance), who used to wear copper amulets and bracelets, thinking that they were a cure for many diseases and a reason for the safety of the person wearing them against envy.
`Uqbah ibn `Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If one ties an amulet, Allah will not accomplish his affairs for him and if one ties a cowrie shell, Allah will not protect him.'' In another narration: "Whoever wears an amulet commits an act of polytheism''.
`Imran Ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated: The Prophet (may peace be upon him) saw a man carrying in his hand an amulet made from gold and he (the Prophet peace be upon him) inquired: "What is that?" He replied: "Something to protect me from weakness." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Cast it off, for verily, it would only increase your weakness. And if you die with it on, you will never succeed."
In another Hadith: It is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) on some of his journeys sent a messenger to check the camels of the caravan, and ordered the cutting of all necklaces of strings hung on the necks of the camels, which were thought by the people of Jahiliyyah (pre Islamic time of ignorance) to benefit their camels and protect them.
These Hadiths and others show that a Muslim must not wear amulets, bracelets, strings, bones, beads or other things that are used by some people to prevent or remove evil.
In my point of view, it is better not to wear or use this copper bracelet to block any means to Shirk (associating other partners in worship along with Allah) and not to let hearts be attached to such things, and to direct a Muslim with his heart toward Allah Alone, so as to resort to lawful means only. There can be no doubt that what Allah has made lawful are sufficient and make up for what is forbidden.
It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: So he who guards himself against doubtful things keeps his religion and honor blameless, and he who indulges in doubtful things indulges, in fact, in unlawful things, just as a shepherd who pastures his animals round a preserve will soon pasture them in it.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: Leave what causes you doubt and turn to what does not cause you doubt.
Undoubtedly, wearing a copper bracelet is like what was done by the people of Jahiliyyah. This is because wearing such a copper bracelet is either a prohibited matter of Shirk or a means leading to Shirk or at least a doubtful matter. Therefore, it is better for a Muslim not to wear it and resort to lawful medical treatment. This is what a group of scholars, professors and I have reached with regard to this question. We ask Allah (Exalted be He) to guide you and us to what pleases Him, increase us in juristic knowledge, and grant us safety against all that opposes His Laws, as He is Able to do all things! May Allah safeguard you! Peace be upon you!