Are My Clothes Impure Because They Touched My Non-Muslim Father’s Coat?
Question
I bought new clothes but they touched with my mushrik dad’s coat. that coat has been many times in church and now i have a very strong feeling that it is contaminated and that it contaminated my clothes so now im scared to wear them.
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shari Context
In matters of purity, the basic rule in Islam is that things are considered pure unless there is clear evidence of impurity. Clothing does not become impure simply because it was worn by a non-Muslim or entered a church.
Allah says:
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion… from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them.”
Surat al Mumtahanah 60:8
The Prophet peace be upon him interacted with non-Muslims, accepted gifts from them, and wore garments obtained from them. There is no evidence that the clothing of a non-Muslim is automatically impure.
2. Scholarly Discussion
The four madhahib agree that the body and clothing of a non-Muslim are not inherently impure. The impurity mentioned in the Quran regarding the mushrikin:
“Indeed the polytheists are impure.”
Surat al Tawbah 9:28
is understood by the majority of scholars to refer to spiritual impurity, not physical impurity.
Therefore, a non-Muslim’s clothing is treated as pure unless there is certain knowledge of physical najasah (such as visible urine, blood, or other impurities).
Entering a church does not make clothing impure. Buildings and places are not inherently najis.
3. Application to the Question
In your case:
A strong feeling alone is not sufficient to declare something impure, This appears to be doubt and anxiety rather than actual impurity.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
الأصل في الأشياء الطهارة
The default state of things is purity
In usul al fiqh, all objects are considered pure unless proven otherwise. There is no proof here of contamination.
Final Ruling
Your clothes are pure. A non-Muslim’s coat, even if worn in a church, does not make it impure, and touching it does not contaminate your clothing. You may wear your clothes without hesitation.
And Allah knows best.