Is it permissible for a Muslim to buy a cross as a gift for a Christian person?
It is impermissible to acquire, make, sell, buy, or gift a cross due to its symbolic association with disbelief. Christians venerate it, believing in the crucifixion of Christ, whereas we believe that Allah raised him alive. Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated that Jesus (peace be upon him) will break the cross and kill the swine upon his descent. Gifting or selling a cross to Christians implies approval of their veneration of it and assists them in polytheism. Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah stated that the maker of a cross is cursed, and its sale and manufacture are prohibited, based on the Prophet's (PBUH) saying: "Indeed, Allah has forbidden the sale of alcoholic beverages, dead animals, swine, and idols." It was also narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (PBUH) would not leave anything in his house with crosses on it without destroying it. The scholars of the Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas have forbidden the making of a cross in any form, emphasized the obligation to remove it, and prohibited its sale and praying over it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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