Is It Permissible to Place Shahadah or Qur’anic Verses on Cars, or Hang a Small Qur’an from the Mirror?
Question
Some cars these days have “La ilaha illa Allah Muhammad Rasul Allah” decals or Qur’an verses on the exterior of the vehicle. Is that permissible, considering they will get dirty and have grime on them? Also, what about hanging a small Qur’an from the mirror?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
This question concerns the sanctity of sacred words, the obligation of honoring the symbols of Islam, and the difference between respect and misuse.
1. The Shar‘i Principle of Honoring Sacred Symbols
Allah says:
“And whoever honors the symbols of Allah, indeed it is from the piety of the hearts.”
Surat al Hajj 22:32
The Shahadah and Qur’anic verses are from the greatest symbols of Islam. They carry sanctity and must not be placed in a context that leads to disrespect, humiliation, or degradation.
2. Placing Shahadah or Qur’an on the Exterior of Vehicles
Cars:
- Are exposed to dirt, mud, snow, exhaust, and road grime
- Enter impure areas
- May be scratched, dented, or disposed of
Placing sacred words in a position where they will inevitably be exposed to dirt and possible disrespect contradicts the principle of ta’zim, honoring sacred text.
The scholars discussed similar matters regarding:
- Writing Qur’an on walls
- Printing it on clothing
- Placing it in areas where it may be stepped near or neglected
If the placement leads to clear disrespect, it becomes impermissible. If it leads to likely degradation, it is at least strongly disliked.
Because exterior car decals are regularly exposed to dirt and impurity, many scholars would consider this inappropriate and contrary to honoring sacred words.
3. Hanging a Small Qur’an from the Rearview Mirror
honoring the Mushaf. The Qur’an must be treated with respect. Hanging it in a way that:
- Causes it to swing loosely
- Exposes it to constant movement and possible falling
- Reduces it to decoration
then it resembles using the Qur’an as an amulet. The scholars discouraged or prohibited hanging written verses for protection if they are treated as talismans rather than read and acted upon.
If it is merely decorative and not treated with reverence, it also contradicts honoring sacred text.
4. Relevant Usul Principles
تعظيم شعائر الله واجب
Honoring the symbols of Allah is obligatory.
Anything that leads to their humiliation or degradation is not permissible.
سد الذرائع
Blocking the means.
If a practice commonly leads to disrespect or misuse of sacred words, it should be avoided.
الحكم يدور مع علته وجودا وعدما
A ruling follows its effective cause.
If the placement causes disrespect, it is impermissible. If proper honor is maintained, the ruling may differ.
Final Ruling
Placing the Shahadah or Qur’anic verses on the exterior of a vehicle in a way that exposes them to dirt and possible disrespect is not appropriate and should be avoided due to the obligation of honoring sacred symbols.
Hanging a small Qur’an from the mirror is also discouraged, especially if done as a charm for protection or if it leads to neglect or disrespect. The Qur’an should be honored, read, and preserved properly rather than used decoratively.
And Allah knows best.