Can Muslims wear football shirts with crosses on them?
It depends on the cross. A club or national shirt where a cross is only a small part of a badge or flag is a gray area. Some scholars are lenient when there is no religious intention, but many advise avoiding it, because the Prophet ﷺ removed crosses. A shirt with a large cross as its main design is best avoided.
Why the cross is treated differently
The cross is the central symbol of Christianity. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said that the Prophet ﷺ never left anything with crosses in his house without removing it (Sahih al-Bukhari 5952). Because of this, many scholars say that Muslims should avoid wearing a cross as a symbol. See Can Muslims wear a cross?
This is not disrespect towards Christians. Islam asks Muslims to keep their own religious identity clear while treating people of other faiths with fairness and kindness:
Common football cases
- A cross in a national flag. Several national flags are built around a cross. Wearing the national kit of your country supports your team and is not worship, so many scholars see it as more lenient than wearing a cross necklace.
- A small cross in a club badge. Some crests include a small cross as part of their history or design. The cross there is a heraldic detail, and many fans wear it without any religious meaning.
- A big cross as the main graphic or a design clearly made as a Christian symbol. Avoid it.
- Shirts for religious events or charity cross-themed kits. Avoid them too.
Scholars differ on the first two. Those who are lenient look at the intention and the fact that the symbol is incidental. Those who are stricter say a cross is a cross wherever it appears, and prefer to stay away from it.
Practical options
- Choose a version without it. Many clubs sell training tops, retro shirts or alternative designs with no cross.
- Wear it only as a fan at the match, not in the mosque or in prayer. Many scholars dislike praying in clothes with images or crosses.
- Follow your conscience. If you feel uneasy, leave it. Scholars advise leaving what is doubtful.
- Ask a scholar you trust about a specific badge or flag.
For other matters connected with match days, see Can Muslims go to football stadiums? and Can Muslim athletes wear kits with alcohol or betting sponsors?
- The Prophet ﷺ removed crosses, so many scholars avoid wearing them.
- A small cross inside a badge or flag is a gray area where scholars differ.
- A shirt with a large cross as its main design is best avoided.
- Choose a version without a cross if you can, and ask a scholar if unsure.
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