Taking a history course that includes religious falsehood
Fatwa No: 307495

Question

Assalaamu alaykum, I am an American boy who is in highschool. I signed up for a world history class last year, and I am now taking the course. I took a test, and on one of the questions, it said that Jesus, may Allaah exalt his mention, was crucified, as most americans believe, although we know he was not. So by being a part of that class or being a student in a classroom that says that Jesus was crucified, am I accountable for believing that Jesus was crucified. I did not answer the question and crossed out the word crucifixion. Is it alright for me to take this class as long as I believe that Jesus was not crucified? Please answer; I need help; I am nervous about it. May Allaah reward you

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger. 

Merely taking this course in which some false beliefs are incorporated in the curriculum, such as the claim that Prophet ʻEesa (Jesus) was crucified, does not mean that you are held in the same standing of the one holding such false beliefs, nor does it mean that you will be held accountable for them like that person.

However, the problem of continuing to attend this course in the first place remains. If you do not possess firm religious knowledge enabling you to refute such misconceptions and false claims, then it is impermissible for you to continue to attend this course so as to spare yourself exposure to misguidance. Verily, the devils from among the human beings and Jinn continue to raise misconceptions to mislead the children of Aadam (Adam). Allaah, The Exalted, says (what means): {...And indeed do the devils inspire their allies (among men) to dispute with you. And if you were to obey them, indeed, you would be associators (of others with Him).}[Quran 6:121]

Hence, you should be mindful of such a peril to be safe than sorry.

For further information, please, refer to fatwa 30220.

Allaah knows best.

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