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What is the ruling on using programs and applications of scientific benefit (such as dictionaries or antivirus software) whose icons contain a cross or a symbol of disbelief, and is this considered glorifying this symbol?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The general rule is that it is not permissible to keep anything with a cross on it unless it is destroyed or defaced, based on the statement of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would not leave anything in his house that had crosses on it without destroying it." If it is not possible to remove it, then there is no harm in using it, as obligations are waived when one is unable to fulfill them. Furthermore, an image inside a mobile phone or computer does not take the same ruling as an image outside of it. However, if alternative programs are available, you should use them.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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