Cross on child’s uniform

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

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Sister in Islam,

We are not aware of your residence. If you are in South Africa, we advise you to consult the Jamiat or a lawyer to understand the right of freedom of religion in a private school.

Furthermore, while we commend your effort in trying to protect the Islam of your children, it may not be enough if the school is a strong Catholic/Christian school who are staunch in indoctrinating the students with their beliefs and values.

As Muslims, we are sensitive to our Aqaaid (beliefs) and Tauheed (Oneness of Allah). We are averse to Kufr and anything associated with Kufr. We are ordered to abstain from whatever can contaminate our Iman. We guard and protect our Iman to the best of our abilities. 

It is a fact that children are affected by their environment and those around him. Children are easily impressionable. They are like blank canvases; they absorb and inculcate what is taught to them and are easily influenced. 

A child spends an average of 6-8 hours in school. They are in constant contact with their teachers and friends on a daily basis. A person is undoubtedly affected by those around him, especially young children. 

You may be able to protect your children from music and bible studies, but it is nearly impossible for you to limit their daily interactions with their teachers and friends who wholeheartedly believe in Kufr. 

You cannot guarantee that your children are not being infected by their beliefs. You cannot guarantee the teachers will not integrate their beliefs and values of Kufr in their lessons. It is also erroneous to assume that your children are not already affected in some way by the Christian values imparted to them on a daily basis even though they do not attend certain classes. 

There are many students who have studied in these types of institutions and have become influenced by their teachers and friends that have caused them to leave the fold of Islam. 

You state the school has a new principal who is making things difficult. She is not willing to give leeway and excuse your children from not wearing the cross on a t-shirt. She does so because she is not willing to compromise her faith. Then, why should we as Muslims compromise in ours? 

This change of circumstance may be a sign from Allah Ta’ala. If legal action cannot be taken, our advice is that you look for an alternative school. You mention there are no other schools near you. In such case, consider moving to a location where there is a suitable school. Safeguarding the Imaan and Islam of your children is of utmost importance more so than secular studies. Sacrifices will have to be made in order to ensure that the Imaan of your children does not waver and is not contaminated with beliefs of Kufr. The Islam of your children is at stake. 

We advise that you perform Salat Al-Hajah daily and ask Allah Ta’ala to open an avenue for you and your family. Allah Ta’ala will definitely open a way for you. Allah Ta’ala says:

وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ (الطلاق: 2، 3)

Translation: “Whoever fears Allah, Allah will make for him a way out, and will provide for him where he does not expect.” (At-Talaaq:2,3)

Insha'Allah, you shall find khayr in this. 

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Hasan Ahmed Razzak

Student – Darul Iftaa

Paterson, New Jersey, USA

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

(20/01/2021)