Is Carrying the Olympic Torch Permissible?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
What is the ruling on carrying the Olympic flame as a torchbearer, considering its origins in pagan beliefs? Some are unclear about its implications. Can you clarify?
Answer
Cultural practices such as carrying the Olympic torch are permissible if, in their current context, they are considered purely cultural, devoid of religious significance, and the intention behind them is free from anything unlawful. Allah knows best.
Thanks to your question, I can verify that the Olympic torch was initially linked to ancient Greek rituals. The modern-day Olympic flame (first introduced in 1928) is now seen as a symbol of peace, unity, and sports excellence, rather than being associated with pagan or religious practices (though I’m not too familiar with the cultural connotations in sports), and Allah knows best.
In Islamic law, a non-religious cultural or ceremonial custom (‘urf’) may be permissible if it does not harm or contradict Islamic principles. (Suyuti, Al-Ashbah wa Al-Nazair; Shatibi, Al-Muwafaqat)
The critical factor is whether the current form of the practice is associated with acts of worship or reverence, and it appears (in the case of the torch) that it does not. Other customs and conventions that have pagan origins but have since lost them include wedding rings, names of the days of the week, New Year’s celebrations, and Valentine’s Day.
If there are any existing pagan connections, or if you are uncertain about participating, it is better to be cautious and refrain from participating. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt, for truth leads to reassurance and lies lead to uncertainty.” [Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Ibn Hibban]
In support of this approach, the Prophet’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) praise of the Treaty of Al-Fijar is worth noting. Despite being established by polytheists, he recognized its benefit and said, “If I were invited to something like it in Islam, I would have responded.” This would show the Prophet’s acknowledgement of the value of beneficial practices, even if they originated from non-Islamic sources. [Bhuti, Fiqh al-Sira]
Please read
Are Wedding Rings Impermissible?
I pray that this benefits 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 (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, 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 been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, 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 Prophetic living and fitness.
