What is the ruling on someone who picks up a cross found on the ground and erects it out of respect for religions—is this considered apostasy?
He who erects a cross does not commit disbelief unless he does so in affirmation or veneration of the disbelieving doctrines it symbolizes. Nevertheless, he who erects a cross has erred, for it is absolutely impermissible to do so. The opposite is obligatory, based on the statement of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her: "The Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, would not leave anything in his house that contained crosses without demolishing it." Respect for religions does not mean glorifying their rituals or affirming them; rather, it means respecting the choices of their adherents and interacting with them according to the Sacred Law.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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