Buying Islamic antiques lest non-Muslims buy them
Fatwa No: 350356

Question

Dear Mufti. I live in a city called Belem in Brazil. In one year, I have only seen three Muslims here, since 99 percent of the population here consists of Christians. I went to a small antique shop, and I saw a frame with the words "Laa Ilaaha IllAllaah" (there is nothing worthy of worship but Allaah) and other Islamic words written on it. I bought one frame. Now I am worried about other frames because if non-Muslims buy them, they will not know how important the name of Allaah is and how much we respect it. Should I buy all the frames although they are expensive? And even if I buy all of them, they might keep getting more frames like this. I know that this is a strange question, but I need help; what should I do?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

We ask Allah to reward you and increase your zeal in doing good.

You should know that you do not have to buy those frames. There is no evidence that you are obliged to do so, and in principle you are free from liability.

As regards volunteering to buy them while they are expensive and the seller may bring more of them, then if you are affluent and you can spend money in charity, then it is better for you to spend the money on feeding the poor and helping the destitute, as this is better and more beneficial than buying those frames.

Allah knows best.

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