Can I Wear Brands That Appear to Glorify Sins?
Can I Wear Brands that Appear to Glorify Sins?
Question Summary
Is wearing a jacket of the brand “glorious gangsta” unlawful? Since they’re describing “gangsta” as “glorious”. Will wearing it be unlawful if the brand’s name is that, and text with “glorious gangsta” is written on the jacket?
The jacket has many “Gs” on it, or “GG” (or maybe both), which might stand for “glorious” or “gangsta” or both, or “glorious gangsta”.
On the jacket, “Glorious” is also written in big text, and “Glorious Gangsta”.
Question Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
Wearing a “Glorious Gangsta” jacket raises a valid concern, as it includes elements associated with terms that may have negative connotations and glorify sins or sinners. The permissibility of wearing such a jacket depends on several factors.
Glorifying sins is unlawful, and if someone wears the jacket with that intention, wearing it is unlawful. Suppose a person wears such branding without the intention as mentioned. In that case, it may (depending on how closely associated the brand is with the glorification of sin) be disliked, and Allah knows best.
What’s in a Name?
Regarding the brand name “Glorious Gangsta,” the permissibility would depend on the intention and context. If the brand name is renowned for unlawful associations or promotions, wearing it is unlawful.
However, if there is no clear intention to promote or identify with unlawful associations or promotions, wearing it may still be problematic due to what may be raised in the hearts and minds of others, as Satan circulates in the human body as blood does. Allah knows best.
Avoid Causing Suspicion
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught Muslims to avoid actions that may raise suspicion within others. Safiyya Bint Huyay, (Allah be pleased with her) came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in the mosque, and when she returned (home), the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) accompanied her.
Two men from the Ansar passed by them, and the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) called them, saying, “She is Safiyya!” those two men said, “Subhan Allah!” [God Forbid] The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Satan circulates in the human as blood does.” [Bukhari]
Avoid the Doubtful
It is important to note that Islam greatly emphasises avoiding anything that might lead to confusion or ambiguity regarding one’s faith and practice. If there is a widespread association between this brand and unlawful lifestyles in your country or culture, such that you would be subject to criticism or stir trouble, opting for names and products free from such associations is advisable, especially when wholly lawful alternative options are
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Verily, truth brings peace of mind, and falsehood sows doubt.” [Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Ibn Hibban]
Another Consideration
Acquiring and owning brand-name goods is not inherently impermissible. Still, it is worth noting that Muslims should be conscious of supporting and promoting brands representative of values foreign to Islam, including materialism, capitalism, violence, wastefulness, extravagance, covetousness, and love of worldly possessions.
Allah says: “The enjoyment of ˹worldly˺ desires—women, children, treasures of gold and silver, fine horses, cattle, and fertile land—has been made appealing to people. These are the pleasures of this worldly life, but with Allah is the finest destination.” [Quran, 3:14]
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
