Fatwa ID: 05130

Answered by: Maulana Syed Johir Miah

Question

I do laser engraving and cutting. So, someone wants me to make this for them. It’s the Hindu symbol. Is it permissible for me to do so?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Laser engraving is the practice of using lasers to engrave an object. Laser marking, on the other hand, is a broader category of methods to leave marks on an object, which also includes color change due to chemical/molecular alteration, charring, foaming, melting, ablation, and more. The technique does not involve the use of inks, nor does it involve tool bits that contact the engraving surface and wear out, giving it an advantage over alternative engraving or marking technologies where inks or bit heads have to be replaced regularly.

It is not permissible to make crosses, whether for payment or otherwise, or to sell crosses, just as it is not permissible to sell or make idols, as it is proven in the Sunnah that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

Verily Allah has forbidden the sale of alcohol, dead meat [that which is not slaughtered in the prescribed manner], pork and idols.”.[1]

It is lawful to sell or buy a gemstone on which no picture of a living being is carved. However, according to the Shariah, it shall be unlawful to sell or buy if the stone is carved like any living being and resembles a picture though no eye is carved.

It is unlawful to take a picture of a living being though it is on stones or on some other thing whether eyes are carved or not in both cases it is unlawful. The picture available on the link which you have provided clearly resembles the picture of a living being hence it shall be unlawful to make or trade it.

If it is drawn on the basis that it is a cross, it is not permissible for the Muslim to carry it, wear it, buy it, sell it or draw it, because the reason for the prohibition on drawing or wearing crosses is to avoid imitating the Christians and venerating their false religious symbols. This reason is applicable to all forms of the cross that are known to various Christian sects if it is made on the basis that it is a cross so that it may be venerated and taken as a symbol for whatever they want.

Hence, in your case, it will also be best to abstain from engraving and cutting the Hindu symbol.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Syed Johir Miah

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

[1] Majmool Fataawa, 84-88/12 and 141/22