The Use of Christians and Displaying Their Crosses on Merchandise
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Fatwa number (6392) :
Q: What is the form of the cross that is prohibited and from which one is warned to display it? Does it have different types? Is it permissible for a Muslim—acting as an agent for merchandise such as a watch, a pen, or the like—to bring in Christians for display purposes—meaning, to hold a celebration and set up a display of goods—and to place their flags or their customary emblems in front of his house and in the streets? He is an ordinary individual, not a government or representing a government, but rather representing his trade and himself. During the discussion and explanation of the danger of displaying their flag, which bears a mark like the mark of what is called the cross found on the watch named (West End), he said: “These are ribs like the ribs of a bucket and a sieve, and they are simply an emblem.” This was his justification. His other justification is that he says: “If I go to them, they put up the flag of the Kingdom and the flag of Switzerland .” This is how he justifies it, even though he is an individual who represents only himself. I hope for a fatwa on the ruling of such an action, and whether it falls under the exaltation of Christians ? Is it permissible for him to adopt this in such an occasion? If he denies exaltation by saying, “I do not exalt them,” is his statement accepted? Do we sin by leaving off his admonition and guidance? What are the levels of disapproval in such a matter? Please give us a fatwa, may Allah reward you, may Allah preserve you.
A: First: The form of the cross claimed to be the emblem of Christians today is placing a line and the like on a line slightly longer than it, such that the shorter upper part falls at about one-third of the longer lower part from the top, so that the intersection forms right angles. Second: It is not permissible for a Muslim to raise the emblems of Christians , nor to participate in their celebrations, nor to bring them into the lands of Muslims except out of dire necessity. Third: The levels of disapproval in forbidding evil were mentioned by the one to whom prayers and peace be sent, in his saying:Sahih Muslim 49a It was narrated by the Imam Muslim in his Sahih. And success is from Allah. And may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: What is the form of the cross that is prohibited and from which one is warned to display it? Does it have different types? Is it permissible for a Muslim—acting as an agent for merchandise such as a watch, a pen, or the like—to bring in Christians for display purposes—meaning, to hold a celebration and set up a display of goods—and to place their flags or their customary emblems in front of his house and in the streets? He is an ordinary individual, not a government or representing a government, but rather representing his trade and himself. During the discussion and explanation of the danger of displaying their flag, which bears a mark like the mark of what is called the cross found on the watch named (West End), he said: “These are ribs like the ribs of a bucket and a sieve, and they are simply an emblem.” This was his justification. His other justification is that he says: “If I go to them, they put up the flag of the Kingdom and the flag of Switzerland .” This is how he justifies it, even though he is an individual who represents only himself. I hope for a fatwa on the ruling of such an action, and whether it falls under the exaltation of Christians ? Is it permissible for him to adopt this in such an occasion? If he denies exaltation by saying, “I do not exalt them,” is his statement accepted? Do we sin by leaving off his admonition and guidance? What are the levels of disapproval in such a matter? Please give us a fatwa, may Allah reward you, may Allah preserve you.
A: First: The form of the cross claimed to be the emblem of Christians today is placing a line and the like on a line slightly longer than it, such that the shorter upper part falls at about one-third of the longer lower part from the top, so that the intersection forms right angles. Second: It is not permissible for a Muslim to raise the emblems of Christians , nor to participate in their celebrations, nor to bring them into the lands of Muslims except out of dire necessity. Third: The levels of disapproval in forbidding evil were mentioned by the one to whom prayers and peace be sent, in his saying:
He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue, and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of faith.
من رأى منكم منكرًا فليغيره بيده، فإن لم يستطع فبلسانه، فإن لم يستطع فبقلبه، وذلك أضعف الإِيمان
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.