The writing of Allah and Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe
wa-sallam) together on walls
Question: We often see on walls, books or newspapers the word, 'Allah'
and the word, 'Muhammad' next to it. Is the arrangement of these words in such a
manner correct?
Answer by Shaikh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaimeen (rahimahullah),
'The
arrangement of these words is not correct because this makes the Messenger (sallallahu
alihe wa-sallam) an
equal to Allah. If someone were to see this writing and he does not know their
(i.e., Allah, the Exalted and Muhammad sallallahu alihe wa-sallam) difference, he will certainly assume
that they are both equal and alike. Therefore, the word, 'Muhammad' should be
erased.
So now remains the word, 'Allah' alone, and it is a word frequently used by the
Sufis instead of Dhikr (i.e., remembering Allah through glorification and
praise). They (merely) say, 'Allah, Allah, Allah' So, even this word should be
erased and one should neither write the word, 'Allah' nor the word, 'Muhammad'
on walls or anything else.' [See, al-Manahi al-Lafdhiyah by Shaikh Muhammad ibn
Salih al-Uthaimeen (Question no. 16)]
Translated by Shawana A. Aziz
