Is Using the Prayer Hands Emoji to Symbolize Gratitude Permissible?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is using the prayer hands emoji to symbolize gratitude permissible, or is it considered resembling other faiths? What is the ruling on people declaring halal and haram online without knowledge?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
Using the prayer hands emoji as a symbol of gratitude is generally permissible, as long as one intends to convey thanks. This is not the unlawful imitation of other faiths that we are warned against, since the emoji has become a widespread digital expression without necessarily carrying religious connotation. Still, as Muslims, we strive to uphold our own Prophetic standards in communication. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Whoever is done a favor and says to the one who did it, ‘Jazakallahu khayran (may Allah reward you with goodness),’ has done enough to show gratitude.” [Tirmidhi]
Thus, the best and most complete way of expressing gratitude remains through the Prophetic teachings.
Declaring Halal and Haram Without Knowledge
As for declaring things halal or haram without proper knowledge, this is a serious matter. Allah Most High warns:
“And do not say about what your tongues assert of lies, ‘This is lawful and this is unlawful,’ to invent falsehood about Allah. Indeed, those who invent falsehood about Allah will not succeed.” [Quran 16:116]
Only those with the requisite knowledge and training in Sacred Law may issue rulings. Making sweeping declarations online without knowledge misguides people and can carry grave spiritual consequences.
Practical Guidance
- If you use emojis, do so with the correct intention and without imitating other faiths. Preferably, adopt the Prophetic expressions of gratitude in speech and writing.
- Avoid making definitive halal/haram statements unless you are qualified to do so. When unsure, it is safer to say, “I don’t know,” or to direct people to scholars.
- As a general principle, Muslims should strive to use words and actions that align with the Sunna while engaging online responsibly.
Mimicking Non-Muslims or the Morally Corrupt Is Only Sinful When:
- It is done out of veneration and esteem for their non-Islamic beliefs or practices.
- It is in something bad in itself.
- It is in something religiously idiosyncratic to them.
So, if, for example, you have a certain haircut or wear certain clothes because you like them, not because you want to be identified with a certain group of non-Muslims or morally corrupt people, then it is fine.
However, if you just feel like dressing like a Buddhist monk, or just feel like taking off your hijab in front of men, then, regardless of your intention, you are doing something wrong, either because it is something obviously specific to that non-Muslim group, or because it is forbidden or offensive in itself.
Please also see Clothes of the People of the Land.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[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 Awwama, 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.
