Repairing vehicles whose plates carry the sign of the cross
20-10-2014 | IslamWeb
Question:
As-Salamu Alaikum brother, Dear Shaykh, I am currently in my 20s, and I recently paid for a program that deals with trucks and construction equipment as a technician, or repair man. My problem is, I have been very confused and worried about a particular issue concerning this work, and I would like some advice please. In Ontario, the license plates have a crown, and on that crown there exists a christian cross. It exists on every license plate that originates from the Ontario district. I am worried to repair trucks that have these license plates on them. I am confused as to whether or not it is permissible for me to repair trucks that have them. Even cars have it here. I chose this program because I assumed that only construction equipment would be involved (they don't have license plates), but the more I learn about this program, the more I find out that trucks are also included. I am really looking for a halal career path, and now I don't know if this is one. Please advise me as to how I should be thinking about this; should I stick with the program or leave it? How should I think of these license plates? I am very confused. Jazakh'Allahu Khair my brother, P.s, If your not sure, then I understand if you say 'I don't know' As-Salamu Alaikum akhi
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Firstly, it should be noted that not any two crossing lines are considered a cross. On the other hand, based on what you mentioned, the nature of your work has nothing to do with these plates that carry that emblem; hence, as long as the case is as you described, then there is no harm in you working in this job, and the money you earn from working there is lawful.
As for your attitude towards those plates and the emblem they are displaying, even if we assume that this emblem is a cross, you bear no sin for that because forbidding an evil depends on the person’s ability (with the hand by taking action; if unable, then with the tongue by speaking out; and if unable, then with the heart by hating it), and it is contingent on not incurring graver evil as a result.
Allaah Knows best.