Question:
What is the ruling of wearing a dreamcatcher patterned veil for some people claimed that this pattern is a symbol of other religion?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the many countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Before we answer the above question, we would first define dreamcatcher. Dreamcatcher is an instrument in the beliefs of the American natives (Red Indians). Usually, a dreamcatcher consists of a small wooden hoop covered in a net or web of natural fibres, with meaningful sacred items like feathers and beads attached, hanging down from the bottom of the hoop. Native Americans believe that the night air is filled with dreams, both good and bad. Dreamcatchers were traditionally used as talismans to protect sleeping people, usually children, from bad dreams and nightmares.
Dreamcatchers were adopted in the Pan-Indian Movement of the 1960s and 1970s as a symbol of unity for the various native Americans and gained popularity as a widely marketed "Native crafts items" in the 1980s. The name "dream catcher" was published in mainstream, non-Native media in the 1970s and became widely known as a "Native crafts item" by the 1980s, by the early 1990s it became "one of the most popular and marketable" items. [1]
From the above simple discussion, it is understood that a dreamcatcher is originally a part of the belief of the native Americans. However, it is now a bygone belief and just considered as a native craft for commercial sale.
Prohibition of Imitating the Disbelievers
We are prohibited by the Prophet PBUH from copying the disbelievers in regards to anything that symbolizes the identity of their religion. The Prophet PBUH said:
مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ
“He who copies any people is one of them.”
Sunan Abu Daud (4031)
From Quranic and prophetic evidences, the scholars concluded that among the act of copying the disbelievers is the prohibition for the Muslims from wearing the clothing of the disbelievers.
According to the opinion in madhhab Hanafi, Maliki and the majority of scholars in madhhab Syafie, imitating the clothing that is the symbol of the disbelievers is considered as an act of disbelief. Thus, if someone wear the kippah (Jew’s cap) consciously, then he is considered as a disbeliever, unless if he is forced to do so, or it is the only way for him to protect himself from the heat. The same applies to someone who wears the official Christian priest uniform, he is considered as a disbeliever except if he wears it as a subterfuge tactic in war. (Refer Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah: 2/276; Jawahir al-Iklil: 2/278; Tuhfah al-Muhtaj: 9/91)
However, some scholars of madhhab Hanafi, Maliki and Syafie state, whoever wear a specific clothing of the disbeliever, he is not considered as a disbeliever unless he renounces Islam in his heart. This is stated by Imam Abu Hanifah who said: “Someone is not considered as an apostate, unless he renounces his faith through which he entered it, where he entered Islam through confession and acknowledgement from his heart and his words, while both are still intact.” (Refer Al-Fatawa al-Bazzaziyyah: 6/332)
According to madhhab Hanbali, it is prohibited to wear the clothing that symbolizes their religion. Al-Buhuti said: “If a Muslim wear the clothing that symbolizes the zimmah (disbelievers under the rule of the Muslims), or the cross as a necklace, then it is prohibited but it is not considered as an act of disbelief, but it is a sin just like other transgressions.” (Refer Kasysyaf al-Qina’: 3/128)
This is the same opinion as the opinion of al-Nawawi where he said, someone who wears the official clothing of a Christian priest, he is not considered as a disbeliever unless it is also accompanied by the acknowledgement in his heart. (Refer Raudah al-Talibin: 10/69)
According to the above discussion of scholars regarding the issue of tasyabbuh (resembling/imitating) and the facts about dreamcatcher, it can be concluded the use of dreamcatcher as a pattern as the following:
- Wearing dreamcatcher patterned veil is not considered as resembling another religion, for it is not a symbol or a specific clothing of other religions such as the wearing of a cross or something like it;
- Dreamcatcher refers to an instrument from the myths of the native Americans of their certain beliefs. However, nowadays, it is reduced to just a native craft sold as ornaments. Hence, copying its pattern without any acknowledgements in one’s heart is permissible;
- This issue is manipulated as such, that it relates back to its origin, then it is advised that the Muslims are cautious. In order to avoid fitnah for those who are selling or wearing dreamcatcher patterned veils, it is best to avoid this and choose another alternative that is not related to any controversies, for this is the safest course of action.
Wallahua’lam.
End Notes:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher;http://legomenon.com/dreamcatcher-meaning-legend-history-origins.html