Question

A Masjid was given permission to use the Queens logo on all correspondence and wherever the Masjid Committee saw it appropriate. The then Masjid committee decided to put the logo on its large sign boards on the outside walls of the Masjid. Queens logo is basically a digital picture of the crown. I have added the logo picture on the file. I have following questions.
1. Is it Haram to display Queens logo on Masjid letter headings?
2. Is it Haram to display Queens logo on the Masjid sign board?
3. If we display Queens logo on our Masjid sign board, does our Masjid become a Shiah’s Masjid?
4. While it may be none of the above, do the Ulemas prefer not to display the Queens logo?
5. Now that it has been displayed, should we make efforts to remove it due to any Islamic ruling?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Inspirer of Truth

Assalāmu ‘Alaykum waraḥmatullah,

Having inspected the image attached to your question, I can conclude that displaying such an image on the Masjid Letterhead or signboard would be permissible as it is an inanimate object. If this logo is displayed on your Masjid signboard, you do not become a shī‘a.

Whether displaying this logo is advisable would depend on the Masjid’s socio-political temperament and vision. While there may be certain quarters of the Muslim community which may regard displaying these logos as brown-nosing, there may be untold benefit from broadcasting that you have such high recognition for your voluntary services. This may change the local perception of Muslims and allow non-Muslims to be willing to engage with the Masjid positively.

Nonetheless, I believe that displaying this logo on the Masjid’s main signboard is inappropriate. Masājid are established as a place for prayer, and the remembrance of Allah and its main sign should reflect these core objectives. While the logo Queen’s award may be displayed on your Masjid letterhead and as a poster or a secondary sign, it is advised that the main signboard of the Masjid remains free from such markings.

And Allah knows best.

الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (1/ 647) (قَوْلُهُ وَلُبْسُ ثَوْبٍ فِيهِ تَمَاثِيلُ) عَدَلَ عَنْ قَوْلِ غَيْرِهِ تَصَاوِيرُ لِمَا فِي الْمُغْرِبِ: الصُّورَةُ عَامٌّ فِي ذِي الرُّوحِ وَغَيْرِهِ، وَالتِّمْثَالُ خَاصٌّ

Answered by:
Maulana Ikramul Hoque Miah

Checked & Approved by:
Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Mufti Zubair Patel