What is the ruling on entering churches for tourism? And what is the ruling on someone who does that if there is something forbidden within them?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to enter churches for tourism due to the presence of images and statues, and because they contain elements that contradict the religion of Islam. Indeed, Umar ibn al-Khattab refused to enter a church that had images, and Ibn Abbas would not pray in a synagogue that had statues. It is mentioned in the that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, considered those who make images to be the worst of creation. Entering them is an affirmation of their falsehood, and whoever has entered them must repent and seek forgiveness.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/34933
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 34933
- 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