What is The Ruling on Entering Places of Worship According to the Shafi‘i School?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible for a Muslim to participate in interfaith prayers or programs held in places of worship like churches, temples, or synagogues in the Shafi‘i School?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
In the Shafi‘i School, it is generally unlawful for a Muslim to enter non-Muslim places of worship, such as churches, temples, or synagogues, if these places contain revered images, symbols, or figures that are forbidden in Islamic law. [Ibn Hajar, Tuhfat al-Muhtaj (2/424), Ramli, Nihayat al-Muhtaj (2/63), and Hashiyat Qalyubi wa ‘Umayra ‘ala Sharh al-Mahalli (4/236)].
Scriptural Evidence
- Hadith of Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) refused to enter the Ka‘ba until the images within it were removed. [Bukhari, 3352]
- Hadith of Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him): The angel Jibril (peace be upon him) said, “We [angels] do not enter a house in which there is an image or a dog.” [Bukhari, 5960]
- Action of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him): When invited to a church during his trip to Syria, he refused, citing the presence of images. [‘Abd al-Razzaq, Musannaf, 1/411 and 10/398]
The Importance of Da‘wa in Interfaith Settings
Da‘wa, the call to Islam, is a sacred responsibility for Muslims. Allah (Most High) commands: “Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and debate with them in the best manner” [Quran, 16:125].
Interfaith discussions, when conducted correctly, can be a form of da‘wa. By embodying the principles of Islam and engaging with sincerity, one can share the beauty and truth of the religion.
Prohibition of Resemblance in Worship
While participating in interfaith programs, Muslims must avoid actions that resemble the worship of other faiths. This includes joining in prayers, adopting religious symbols, or wearing specific clothing associated with other religions. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Abu Dawud]
Recommendations for Caution
It is best to request that interfaith programs be held in neutral, non-religious spaces. If this is not possible, one should ensure that the location chosen does not contain images, statues, or other religious symbols that conflict with Islamic beliefs.
Encouragement
Interfaith programs can provide an opportunity to share the message of Islam while fostering understanding. However, one should never compromise their faith or the principles of Sacred Law.
Always approach such opportunities with sincerity, wisdom, and caution.
We encourage you to continue making da‘wa with kindness and humility, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). By doing so, you will fulfill a noble duty and contribute to building bridges of understanding while upholding the sanctity of your faith. May Allah (Most High) guide you in your endeavors and make them fruitful.
The Hanbali Position
In the Hanbali School, it is generally permissible to enter churches [Ibn Qudama, al-Mughni (8/113), al-Insaf (1/496)]. The sin of the presence of images or statues lies with their creators, not those who enter such places. Entering churches unnecessarily is considered makruh because the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and angels avoided places with images. It becomes haram if entering implies approval of Christian beliefs, including shirk, or if it reflects love or friendship for disbelievers beyond permissible limits.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
