Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
In Islam, earning a lawful livelihood is essential, and sales transactions must adhere to Shariah guidelines. Selling objects bearing religious symbols that contradict Islamic beliefs, such as the cross, is considered impermissible. However, items without such implications are allowed. Muslims are encouraged to seek clarity in financial matters to ensure their actions align with their faith.
In responding to your question about selling objects containing the cross, Sheikh Faysal Mawlawi, the late Deputy Chairman of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, states:
The Importance of Lawful Earnings in Islam
A committed Muslim always strives to earn his living through lawful and pure means. He tries his best to keep away from doubtful matters that jeopardize his faith and his conduct.
The original ruling in sales in which one of the parties involved is a non-Muslim is permissibility so long as the object of the sale is lawful.
Prohibited Sales in Islam
There are two forms of sales that are unlawful transaction, regardless of whether it is between Muslims or non-Muslims. They are as follows:
- What is prohibited in itself such as wine, pork, carrion, impurities, and so forth.
- What is prohibited because of an accidental characteristic stipulated by Shariah.
Selling Items with Cross Symbols: The Islamic Ruling
As for selling objects containing the cross, cards, presents, children toys and the like is originally permissible unless they contain something unlawful.
So, if any of these things contain the Cross as a symbol or icon indicating the crucifixion of the Chris, then selling them become unlawful.
That is because the Christ was not crucified, according to the text of the Quran. And because the Cross has become a religious implication that contradicts Islamic faith and principles. So, it becomes impermissible for Muslims to sell it.
As for sweets or children toys or the like, which do not contain symbols or icons of religious implications or they do not contain words that are denied by our religion, selling them is permissible.
Almighty Allah knows best.
Editor’s note: This fatwa is from Ask the Scholar’s archive and was originally published at an earlier date.