How Should I Dispose Of Items With Islamic Names On Them

 

Question:
Assalamu ‘alaykum.

What is the ruling on Islamic text being on the label of medicine bottles? If someone’s name is “Abdulrahman” or a name of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them), Is leaving the text of the name on the label haram? How about the names of the Companions? Should we try to cut it out from the label?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

If it is one of the names of Allah or His Messengers (peace and blessing be on them all) written in Arabic and other languages, one should efface the writing before disposal. This is a display of the veneration and respect these names deserve.

As for other names devoid of any of the aforementioned names, one may dispose of them – even if they are written in Arabic. The actual letters of the Arabic alphabet don’t bear any sanctity on their own. Only when they comprise revered words or names. (Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al Muhtar) The same would apply to other languages too.

You’re not responsible for checking every piece of paper you come across. Efface revered names from where you know or reasonably expect them to be before disposal. A shredder can separate the letters, or they can be buried in a pure place or burned.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.