Is It Permissible To Allow A Priest’s Blessing At Home?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
If my Christian in-laws invite a priest to pray over our newly built house, would it be permissible to allow this and then recite the Quran afterward?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
Allah Most High says:
“So do not sit with them until they engage in a different conversation. If you did, you would surely be like them.” [Quran, 4:140]
Inviting or allowing prayers based on beliefs contrary to Islam, such as calling upon others besides Allah, is impermissible. Such acts fall under shirk, the gravest of sins, and it is not allowed to facilitate them, even indirectly. For this reason, you should not allow a priest to perform such rites in your home.
At the same time, family harmony is essential. You can respond with wisdom: gently explain that you wish to bless your home according to your own faith, by reciting the Quran, making dua, and remembering Allah. Surat al-Baqara is particularly recommended, as the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said it protects a home from the devil. [Muslim]
If your in-laws still wish to celebrate with you, suggest alternative ways of sharing joy, such as a meal together or simply being present, without religious rituals contradicting Islam. This way, you maintain good relations while safeguarding your beliefs.
I pray this is of benefit. May Allah make your home a place of baraka, tranquility, and remembrance of Him.
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.
