Writing “Allah” and “Muhammad ﷺ” Facing Each Other – Shar‘ī Ruling
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
We often observe that in some places, such as on walls, posters, or even inside certain copies of the Qur’an, the word “Allah” is written on one side and “Muhammad ﷺ” on the opposite side, in a face-to-face or side-by-side arrangement.
Is this manner of displaying these names permissible in Sharī‘ah?
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
◈ It is not appropriate to write the words “Allah” and “Muhammad” facing each other in such a manner.
➤ This arrangement may create a false impression that the Prophet ﷺ is equal to or parallel with Allah ﷻ,
which is a grave misunderstanding and a severe deviation from Islamic belief.
➤ If someone unfamiliar with Islamic theology sees such an arrangement,
they may wrongly assume that the Prophet ﷺ is a partner or equivalent to Allah ﷻ.
✔ The noble name of the Prophet ﷺ should not be displayed in a manner that could imply equality with the name of Allah ﷻ.
✔ Similarly, although “Allah” is used in dhikr by some (e.g., “Allāh, Allāh, Allāh”), it is inappropriate to isolate or stylize the name in ways that may reduce its reverence or introduce ambiguity.
It is impermissible to write the names “Allah” and “Muhammad ﷺ” facing or alongside each other on:
— Walls
— Charts or posters
— Book covers
— Qur’ān designs
— Or any decorative item
In such a way that it might suggest parity, equality, or mutual resemblance between the Creator and the Messenger.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
This is what I hold to be correct. And Allah knows best what is right.
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām❖ Question:
We often observe that in some places, such as on walls, posters, or even inside certain copies of the Qur’an, the word “Allah” is written on one side and “Muhammad ﷺ” on the opposite side, in a face-to-face or side-by-side arrangement.
Is this manner of displaying these names permissible in Sharī‘ah?
❖ Answer:
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
Writing “Allah” and “Muhammad ﷺ” Facing Each Other Is Not Permissible
◈ It is not appropriate to write the words “Allah” and “Muhammad” facing each other in such a manner.
❖ Why This Arrangement Is Problematic:
➤ This arrangement may create a false impression that the Prophet ﷺ is equal to or parallel with Allah ﷻ,
which is a grave misunderstanding and a severe deviation from Islamic belief.
➤ If someone unfamiliar with Islamic theology sees such an arrangement,
they may wrongly assume that the Prophet ﷺ is a partner or equivalent to Allah ﷻ.
❖ Shar‘ī Guidance:
✔ The noble name of the Prophet ﷺ should not be displayed in a manner that could imply equality with the name of Allah ﷻ.
✔ Similarly, although “Allah” is used in dhikr by some (e.g., “Allāh, Allāh, Allāh”), it is inappropriate to isolate or stylize the name in ways that may reduce its reverence or introduce ambiguity.
❖ Practical Conclusion:
It is impermissible to write the names “Allah” and “Muhammad ﷺ” facing or alongside each other on:
— Walls
— Charts or posters
— Book covers
— Qur’ān designs
— Or any decorative item
In such a way that it might suggest parity, equality, or mutual resemblance between the Creator and the Messenger.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
This is what I hold to be correct. And Allah knows best what is right.
