Can I Create Calendars With Christian Quotes for Clients?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible to design a calendar for a Christian client featuring quotes and Bible verses, if the intention is professional experience, the content avoids theology, and all earnings are donated to support Muslims?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

It is not permissible to design or promote material that contains religious texts from other faiths, such as Bible verses, even with a good intention or charitable outcome. Islam prohibits assisting in the spread of beliefs that contradict Islamic guidance. Though the intent may be professional or charitable, the act itself may facilitate misguidance.

Allah Most High says:

“And do not assist one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.” [Quran, 5:2]

Context and Detail

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) strictly discouraged engaging with the scriptures of previous communities (especially without a firm scholarly grounding). It was reported that ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) once brought some writings from the Tawra (Torah) to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), and the Prophet became visibly upset. ‘Umar then affirmed, “I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion, and with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as my Prophet.” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) then said:

“By the One in whose hand is my soul, if Musa (Moses) were alive and you followed him, you would surely go astray. Verily, I have been sent to you, and I am the final seal of the Prophets.” [Ahmad, Tabarani, Hakim]

In another narration, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) forbade asking the People of the Book about their scriptures, saying one might affirm falsehood or reject a truth unknowingly. [Abu Ya‘la]

Designing a product that spreads biblical content—even without theological involvement—may unintentionally promote religious views at odds with Islam. Muslims should avoid aiding in such propagation, even for income or professional reasons. Alternative work that aligns with Islamic ethics should be sought.

Conclusion

Creating and distributing calendars with Bible verses, even with good intentions, is not permissible. We must be cautious not to assist in misguidance or dilute the integrity of our faith. Seek permissible means of work, and trust that Allah will bless your efforts and provide a way forward.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

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.