Some people raise a question: if mentioning the names of false gods is wrong, then how does the Qur’an itself mention the names of idols worshipped by previous nations?
In Surah Nuh (71:23), Allahﷻ quotes the people of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) saying: “Do not abandon your gods; do not abandon Wadd, nor Suwaʿ, nor Yaghuth, nor Yaʿuq, nor Nasr.” These were names of idols worshipped by that community. Allahﷻ mentions those names in the Qur’an.
Now ask yourself: If merely mentioning the name of a false god was forbidden, then why would Allahﷻ mention Wadd, Suwaʿ, Yaghuth, Yaʿuq, and Nasr in the Qur’an? Does that mean we should avoid the Qur’an because it contains those names? Of course not.
This shows a clear principle: Using a name is not the same as worshipping it.
Islam did not forbid words. Islam forbade worship of false deities and honoring their sacred symbols.
Names vs Worship
If someone names a brand after a Greek mythological figure (for example, Nike — named after a Greek deity), that does not automatically make the product haram.
What is forbidden?
- Wearing or displaying an image that is worshipped as a deity.
- Honoring an idol or sacred symbol used in worship.
But merely the presence of a name does not make something shirk.
Otherwise, how would we even speak against false gods?
If we could not mention “idol,” “wine,” or “false god,” how could we warn people against them?
Created by Allahﷻ vs Created by Humans
Another important distinction:
Some people worship:
- The sun
- Trees
- Fire
- The sea
- Animals
These are creations of Allahﷻ . If someone worships the sun, does that mean drawing a sun symbol becomes forbidden?
No. Because:
- The sun is Allahﷻ ’s creation.
- Someone else wrongly worshipping it does not change its nature.
But if someone adds elements and turns it into a deity image — for example:
- A sun with a human face
- Horns added
- A crown
- Mythical attributes
Then it becomes a man-made idol representation, and that must be avoided.
The principle is:
Allahﷻ ’s creation as it is → permissible
Man-made deity representation → not permissible
We must also understand what the Prophet ﷺ clarified regarding images.
Worshipped images
If something is worshipped as a deity:
- Even if small
- Even if stamp-sized
- Even if on jewelry
It is not allowed. There is no “small size” exception for idol images.
Non-worshipped images
For ordinary images (animals, birds, humans not worshipped), there is evidence of allowance in certain forms.
Evidence from Hadith
In Sahih al-Bukhari (3226):
A curtain with images was in a house. When questioned, it was clarified that the Prophet ﷺ allowed small images on clothing.
In another narration: When the Prophet ﷺ disliked a curtain with images hanging prominently, it was later cut and made into cushions.
In Sahih al-Bukhari (2479, 5954) and Muslim:
Aishah (Mother of believers) said that the curtain was turned into cushions. The Prophet ﷺ leaned on them and sat on them.
What does this show?
The difference is:
- Hanging and honoring → discouraged
- Using in a non-honored, ordinary way → permitted
The issue is respect and elevation, not mere existence.
Honored vs Non-Honored Use
There is a big difference between:
- Framing and hanging an image respectfully
- Stepping on it
- Sitting on it
- Using it on tissue paper
- Printing it in newspapers
Think about newspapers.
Every newspaper today contains pictures of:
- Leaders
- Celebrities
- Public figures
We buy the paper for news, not to honor the images. Later, it is folded, stepped on, used for wrapping, or even thrown away. Is that considered honoring? No.
The ruling differs based on how the image is treated.
Practical Applications
Allowed:
- Small animal images on clothing
- Small bird designs
- Small human sketches (not worshipped)
- Sun, tree, mountain images (as Allahﷻ ’s creation)
- Images on carpets that are stepped on
- Images on cushions
- Images on tissue paper
- Designs on bedsheets
- Footwear with printed designs
Because these are not honored.
Not Allowed:
- Images of deities worshipped as gods
- Religious idol figures
- Sacred symbols intended for reverence
- Large decorative honored portraits displayed prominently
Even if small, if it represents a worshipped deity → not allowed.
Size Consideration
The Prophet ﷺ did not specify centimeters or inches. So, what is “small”? Use sound judgment.
If someone looks at your shirt and says: “That is a large image,” Then avoid it. If it is clearly a minor decorative element, it falls under the allowance.
Core Principle
Islam blocks the path to shirk.
Anything that:
- Leads to honoring idols
- Encourages reverence of false gods
- Resembles worship practice
→ is blocked.
But:
- Names are not shirk.
- Allahﷻ ’s creation is not forbidden because others worship it.
- Non-honored usage is allowed.
Summary
- Names of false gods are not forbidden to mention.
- Worshipping them is forbidden.
- Images of worshipped deities are forbidden.
- Allahﷻ ’s creations (sun, tree, animals) are permissible unless modified into idol forms.
- Small non-worshipped images are allowed.
- Images used in non-honoring ways (carpets, cushions, tissues) are allowed.
- Large, honored displays are not allowed.
This is the balanced understanding.
Insha Allahﷻ , we will continue with further clarification in upcoming posts.