Fatwa ID: 04892

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

A brother volunteers as first aid mail “nurse” for a local “red cross” society. They are concerned with rescuing people, and taking them to the hospital by ambulance, etc. (I think roughly the same as the work done by the British Red cross) but, on the back of his Red Cross uniform, there is a huge red cross on his back. Is it haram to wear such a uniform? Even though allegedly for the Red Cross the use of a cross hasn’t a Christian meaning, but still it is a Christian symbol. If it’s haram, how could he keep offering his volunteering service for the Red Cross?

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

Answer

The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said, “Whoever imitates a group of people he is one of them.” (Sunan Abu Dawud & Musnad Ahmad)

A cross is a religious symbol of Christianity representing the crucifixion of Jesus and also a sign of their attachment to their beliefs and faithfulness.

Regarding your question, even though the Red Cross does not have a Christian meaning, it will still be necessary to refrain from wearing it because of the hadith of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam altering things on which there were crosses.   

It is narrated by Saaidah Aaisha Radiallahu Anha, that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam would not leave anything in his house on which there was a cross, but he would alter it. (Sahih Bukhari)

My advice to the brother in question would be to ask the organizers whether it will be possible to carry out the duties without wearing the Red Cross logo on the back. If it is not possible, it will be best that the brother does not continue with his duties with them.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham