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Selling crosses to Christians in her jewellery store

Question

I own a jewelry store and I have Christian customers who ask for crosses. I stopped selling them years ago because I was told it was Haram. I am wondering if this is true, and if it is why I can't sell them. I don't make the jewelry. I buy and sell so they are not being made by me other people send it to me; from other countries. Please let me know about this.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

The matter is as already mentioned to you that selling crosses is forbidden because they are considered among the most distinguishing rites of Christians.

Ibn Taymiyyah  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him says: "It is unlawful to make crosses whether to give them out for free or in return of some recompense. As it is forbidden to sell crosses, similarly it is prohibited to sell idols or make them." The evidence for this is the narration in which the Prophet, sallalalahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Allaah has prohibited selling wine, dead meat and pork" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The fact that you did not make these crosses does not give you the right to sell them, because by selling them, you cooperate in sin. Allaah says (what means): {And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And fear Allaah; indeed, Allaah is severe in penalty} [Quran 5:2]

Additionally, it is reported that the Prophet, sallalalahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "When Allaah forbids something to people He forbids its price to them." [Ahmad]

Therefore, we recommend that you avoid trading in crosses. Know that anybody who gives something up for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will compensate him/her with something better. Also, lawful earnings are blessed and the supplication of their holder is accepted and responded to, while ill-gotten earnings are means for disgrace and the supplication of their holder is rejected.

Allaah Knows best.

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