Can Children Use a Ka‘ba-Like Tent for Mosque Learning?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible to use a tent resembling the Ka‘ba for a children’s mosque program, dismantle it afterward, and reuse it in the future?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
It is permissible to use a tent resembling the Ka‘ba for educational purposes in a children’s mosque program, provided it is done with due reverence and care. There is no evidence in the Shafi‘i School indicating the impermissibility of such an act, especially when the intent is to nurture love and understanding of sacred symbols among the youth.
“And whoever honors the symbols of Allah—indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” [Quran, 22:32]
Educational tools that visually represent aspects of our Din, such as a Ka‘ba-like tent, can be instrumental in transmitting values and teachings, especially to children. Precedent exists in the Sunna for religious instruction through performative means—most notably the well-known Hadith of Jibril, where the Companions witnessed the Angel Jibril, in the form of a human, teaching through demonstration and questioning.
However, while such an act is not inherently prohibited, it must be approached with suitable adab (proper decorum). One should avoid any casual or irreverent use of the tent and ensure that it serves a clear educational purpose, thus preserving the sanctity of Islamic symbols (sha‘a’ir Allah).
In summary, there is allowance in the Sacred Law for this kind of educational initiative, but it should always be done in a way that reflects the veneration due to the symbols of Allah, and all related practices should conform to Sacred Law.
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.
