What is the ruling on purchasing a house that was previously used as a church, and the church's symbols are still present within it, with no possibility of removing these symbols?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is permissible to purchase a church and convert it into a private dwelling, provided that all images, statues, idols, crosses, and infidel symbols are obliterated and removed from it, due to the commands in the Prophetic regarding the removal of images and crosses. As for decorations not specific to Christians, they may remain. However, the external name "Church of Christ" must be sought to be removed by the best means possible. If you are unable to remove the external plaque or the crosses and infidel symbols, then it is not permissible to purchase it or reside in it.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/17053
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 17053
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy