We all know that kind of love, the “mashallah you two look SO good together, God protect you” kind of love. The one that turns heads at the wedding, breaks Instagram with a soft launch, or makes your aunties cry happy tears over tea. But in the Arab world, love that shines too brightly always comes with a little warning: watch out for the evil eye.
It’s not that we’re not happy for you, we are. We actually love love. We romanticize it, we write poetry about it, we dedicate entire Fairuz and Abdel Halim songs to it. But we’ve also been raised to believe that what’s too perfect needs protection. The ‘ayn, or evil eye, is not just folklore to us, it’s a real force. One that can creep in when people look at your joy with a little too much intensity. And that’s why every Arab love story comes with a side of superstition.
When Love Gets “Too Cute”
So, you just got engaged? Alf mabrouk! But maybe think twice before doing a full couple photoshoot with captions like “my forever”. You’re dating someone new and glowing like the sun? Put a khamsa bi aayounak (five in your eyes) in that Instagram story ASAP. Because the minute love goes public, especially when it looks effortless, someone, somewhere is watching… and not always with the kindest intentions.
We’ve all heard things like: “don’t jinx it!”, “keep it on the low until it’s official”, or “I loved you in silence”. That’s not because we’re secretive, it’s because we believe energy is real. And sometimes, admiration turns to envy without people even realizing it. That’s why our parents and grandparents always tell us: “kul shay bi izn Allah” — everything is God’s will — but a little salt and a blue bead never hurt anyone!
Weddings, Babies, and Nazar 101
Weddings in the Arab world? A celebration, a flex, and a battlefield of vibes all in one. From the bride’s dress to the henna party, from the gold to the zaffe, it’s all so grand … and so exposed. That’s why brides often carry tiny charms with them such as a hidden blue glass eye 3ein sewn inside the gown. You might not see it, but it’s there. Always.
As a matter of fact, my best friend got married two weeks ago, and as her maid of honor, it was my mission to make sure she was protected from every kind of eye. That’s why I designed a small pin for her — with a tiny evil eye charm and a photo of her late parents — to keep her safe and surrounded by love on her big day. We quietly pinned it inside her dress before the ceremony. The wedding was beautiful, emotional, and went perfectly. And honestly, I like to believe that little pin had something to do with it.
And when a couple finally has a baby? Ya habibi, that’s when the superstitions really kick in. Many parents avoid posting photos of their newborn for weeks — some don’t even tell everyone the baby’s name. Why? Because a baby is the purest form of love, and purity is vulnerable. That’s when you’ll hear expressions like “Allah ykhalli” (May God keep them), “mashallah” (What God has willed), and “min sharr hasad iza hasad” (from the envy of the envier when they envy).
Pregnant women get special treatment too. They’re often told to wear a blue bead on a pin inside their clothes. Some older women might burn bakhoor (incense) or pass a piece of bread over their heads “to catch the eye,” then throw it out. It might sound extra, but to many, it’s just tradition. And tradition is how we love.
But Honestly, It’s Also Kind of Beautiful
Yes, it’s all a little dramatic. Yes, your auntie might still think your breakup happened because you posted him without enough mashallahs. But all of it comes from care. It’s not about fear, it’s about value. We guard the things we love because we know they matter. In a world that moves too fast, we still treat love like something precious. Something to cherish quietly, not shout from the rooftops.
It’s a reminder, in a world of overexposure, to keep some things just for you. To protect your habibi love like the precious thing it is. It deserves more than just likes. It deserves blessing. It deserves intention. Maybe with a little salt thrown over the shoulder. Maybe with a blue bead. Maybe just with a whispered “mashallah.”
So the next time you see a couple that’s just too perfect, or a bride walking like a goddess into her wedding, or a fresh newborn in a frilly onesie, don’t just stare. Don’t just double tap. Say “mashallah”, even in your head. You might be saving a little magic.
