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The question

Is it considered disbelief to say: "What the hell," "Holy cow," "Holy crap," "Oh God," "Jesus Christ!" "What the," "Damn it"?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

These phrases are an imitation of disbelievers, and imitating them is forbidden by Islamic law. In addition, the meanings of these words are corrupt and forbidden:

1. "What the hell": This is a form of swearing by other than Allah, which is polytheism (shirk). It may even reach the level of major shirk if one believes that what is sworn by is equal to Allah in veneration. Furthermore, it involves swearing by something that has no right to be sworn by, which is hellfire. 2. "Oh God": This word comes from the language of non-Muslims, and they might intend by it a god other than Allah, which would be major shirk. It must be avoided because it carries a false meaning and is a slogan of disbelievers. 3. "Jesus!": This is an invocation of Jesus and seeking help from him, which is shirk, because invoking other than Allah Almighty is shirk. Jesus is a servant of Allah and His messenger; he possesses no power to benefit or harm. 4. "Damn": Cursing is forbidden, and a Muslim is not a habitual curser. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade it, and those who curse will not be witnesses or intercessors on the Day of Judgment. 5. "Holy cow": There is no sanctification of animals in Islam. This phrase is an ugly imitation of the speech of disbelievers who sanctify cows, and it is a foolishness that contradicts Islamic law.

A Muslim must avoid these forbidden words, some of which may even amount to polytheism with Allah.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported

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Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
24913
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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