Fatwa ID: 05780

Answered by: Maulana Nazrul Islam

Question:

I am trading with shares on the Australian Stock Exchange by using the ANZ bank trading platform. However, this platform is having an image of the Australian Flag which contains a so-called Union Jack. Union Jack is a symbol of Christianity because it contains a cross and this cross originates from Christianity. When I buy or sell shares I pay $20 to the ANZ trading platform. Can you tell me, what is your opinion? I fear that when I buy or sell shares and pay commission to this platform, – I am financially promoting the symbol of Christianity. I know that promoting disbelief is disbelief itself. Am I promoting Christianity which is kufr by using this platform? Many traders use this platform and can see this Union Jack with a cross on it! I can move my trading to another platform, no problem.

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

Answer:

There is no problem using an exchange to trade which is affiliated with a country, hence they have their flag on it.

A person is not promoting disbelief by using such platforms.

“Things are in fact what they are intended for” (1) Qawaid Fiqhiyyah page 12

From the situation mentioned above, we can understand that the purpose is trade, and not promoting disbelief or Christianity. Even the Prophet S.A.W traded with non-Muslims. Bukhari 2252 (2)

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Nazrul Islam

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

(١) الأمور بمقاصدها

القواعد الفقهية ص١٢

(٢)حَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مَحْبُوبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْوَاحِدِ، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، قَالَ تَذَاكَرْنَا عِنْدَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الرَّهْنَ فِي السَّلَفِ فَقَالَ حَدَّثَنِي الأَسْوَدُ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم اشْتَرَى مِنْ يَهُودِيٍّ طَعَامًا إِلَى أَجَلٍ مَعْلُومٍ، وَارْتَهَنَ مِنْهُ دِرْعًا مِنْ حَدِيدٍ‏.‏ Bukhari 2252