The Ruling on Breaking Idols, Statues, and Structures Built over Graves

Question:
O dear brothers, we ask our Shaykh to excuse us for posing some questions that have reached us from the brothers present, and there are many of them. We will choose from among them. A question that has been repeated often is: The questioner says, Honorable Shaykh, there has been a great media uproar regarding the issue of breaking idols and statues under the pretext of preserving historical heritage and the like. What is your view on such a doubt?

Answer:
Yes, breaking idols and statues is a required and obligatory matter in the religion of Allah. If the Muslims are able to do so, it is obligatory for them to smash the idols, just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did when he conquered Makkah; he smashed the idols that were on the Ka'bah and around it, such as Hubal, al-'Uzzah, and . This is a required matter. If this becomes possible for the Muslims, then it is obligatory upon them, obligatory upon them, to smash the idols and demolish the structures built over graves and the shrines built over graves by the superstitious and the grave-worshippers. These are also idols and false gods. These structures over graves have become a cause for worshipping the dead and calling upon them for aid. These are idols and false gods, so they must also be demolished. But before demolishing them, it is necessary to make the people aware, to explain to them, to call them to Allah, and to clarify that this is shirk (associating partners with Allah) or that this is one of the means to shirk, and that its continuation is not permissible. It is necessary to make them aware first, and then this is followed by its removal. Yes.