Fatwa ID: 03035

Answered by:  Maulana Tahsin Alam​

Question:

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

When people say cross your fingers, is that reference to the Christian cross?

Answer:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

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

Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh

Some might argue that the act of “crossing fingers” was originally a reference to the Christian cross, although today that connotation has been completely superseded with the sole meaning of “wishing good luck.”[1]Therefore the act of crossing fingers holds no religious Christian significance today.[2]

If one does use this term, it should be with the correct belief that only Allāh SWT is in control of one’s good and bad fortune and that is by hoping for the best outcome from Him.

Only Allāh Ta’ālā knows best

Written by Maulana Tahsin Alam

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Dārul Iftā Birmingham