What is the ruling on searching for ancient artifacts (Roman, Israeli) in the West Bank of Palestine, with the aim of earning money and selling them to unidentified parties, knowing that the Palestinian Authority prohibits and punishes this?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
It is permissible for a Muslim to excavate ancient artifacts such as coins and vessels and sell them for profit, whether on land he owns or land owned by no one, as long as the state does not prohibit it for a public interest. It is also permissible to trade with non-Muslims as long as it does not involve forbidden matters. However, one should be cautious about selling Israeli artifacts to Jews due to the potential harm this could cause to the issue of occupied Palestine.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/118336
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 118336
- Imported
- Translation status
- Source text, unreviewed
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy