Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I have a few objects, such as a ring, prayer beads, and amulets that contain the names of Allah, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), or Quranic verses in Arabic. I wear these objects regularly, and they are uncomfortable or challenging to remove every time I enter a toilet or unclean place, so I cover them or put them inside my pocket.
Is this act sinful, or is it permissible, and what advice would you give me in this situation?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to that which is pleasing to Him. May He reward you for this beautiful desire to turn back to Him. Amin.
As a general rule, one should avoid placing the name of God, His Prophets, Quranic verses, and the like on objects where these names may be disrespected.
Regarding entering the toilet – defined here specifically as the area where one relieves oneself – with an object bearing the name “Allah” or a Quranic verse and the like, it is considered disliked.
This dislikedness is lifted when one covers the name or verse before entering the toilet (e.g., putting the phone in one’s pocket). Yet, even here, it would be best to avoid entering with such names/verses if reasonably possible.
Recommended Measures
When one intends to use the lavatory, it is recommended to set aside anything on which there is the mention of Allah Most High, His messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), or any revered name (like those of prophets or angels). [Keller, Reliance of the Traveller]
If one enters with a ring (on which something worthy of respect is written), one closes one’s hand around it. [ibid.]
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.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, 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 served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.