Back to search

Is it permissible for a committed Muslim to wear the official uniform of an educational institution that bears the symbol of the cross, after effacing the symbol, and is it permissible to call Christian priests "Father"?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

First: It is permissible to enroll in Christian schools to acquire beneficial worldly knowledge, provided that one is safe from temptation concerning religion and morals. Caution is, however, preferable. Enrollment is forbidden if the school forces students to attend Bible lessons, visit churches, or if its curriculum contains elements of their false religions or immorality.

Second: It is permissible to wear clothes from which crosses and idolatrous symbols have been removed, unless they remain in the form of attire specific to disbelievers or their monks.

Third: It is forbidden to use the term "Father" for Christian priests with the intention of showing respect and reverence, as this constitutes imitation of them. However, it is permissible to use it for identification purposes, as it is a title commonly associated with and known for them, not with the intention of imitation or reverence.

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

Read the full answer on Ftawy