ISLAMIC LAW ON RECEIVING THE TITLE “GRAND KNIGHT OF THE CROSS”

KH Siddiq Al Jawie (Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia)

Question:

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) was awarded the title of Knight of the Grand Cross in the Order of the Bath from Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday (31/10/12) in London. In the view of Islam, is it allowed for him to receive such a title?

Answer:

It is haraam (unlawful in Islam) for SBY to receive the title of Knight of the Grand Cross for the following three reasons: First, the title of Knight of the Grand Cross is among the bad laqab (the title/the address) because it is in conflict with the Islamic creed. This is evident from the term “cross” which refers to the Christian faith, in which Prophet Isa (Jesus) is claimed to have died on the cross. It is also evident from the motto of the title Tria Iuncta in Uno (three joined in one), which refers to the doctrine of Trinity, i.e. three powers joined in one. This is the title, closely related with the symbols and meanings of Christianity, which was accepted by SBY.

Whereas, according to Islamic belief, the one crucified was not Prophet Isa but rather someone who was likened to him by the Jews who killed him. Allah SWT says (that), ” And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah ‘Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,” – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of ‘Isa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts.  (QS Nisa ‘ [4]: 157).

Islamic creed also establishes clearly that the doctrine of the Trinity is Kufr (disbelief). Allah SWT says, “Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” (Al-QS [5]: 73).

So, it is unlawful for a Muslim to receive such a bad title, and it is unlawful to use the bad title to address someone. Allah SWT says (that), ”

O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group.” (QS Al Hujurat [49]: 11). (Al-Fiqhiyyah Al-Kuwaitiyyah Mawsoo’ah Al, Chapter “Laqab”, Volume 35, pp. 289-290; Imam Nawawi, Al Adzkar, pp. 250; Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, Tuhfatul Maudud bi Ahkam Al Maulud, pp. 135-136; Amir bin Muhammad Al Madari, Alfazh wa Amtsal Nithaq Kharija As Sharia, pp. 90-92).

Second, receiving the title of the Knight of the Grand Cross is among the deeds, which imitates the infidels (tasyabbuh bil kuffar) which is unlawful in Islam. The reason is that this title has traditionally been given by and to the Christians since the Middle Ages, and is closely related to the symbols and meanings typical of Christians. Then, it is forbidden for a Muslim to receive such a title based on the saying of the Prophet, “A Muslim who imitates the kaffir, he belongs to them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood & Ibn Hibbaan).

This hadith is a general proposition which prohibits a Muslim to imitate the unbelievers (tasyabbuh bil kuffar, imitating the non-muslims), namely to imitate/to look like an unbeliever in everything that characterizes their disbelief, such as their clothing, symbols, behaviour, belief, worship, or traditions that are distinctive and reflective of their beliefs. (Jamil bin Habib Al Mathiri, At Tasyabbuh Al Manhi ‘Anhu fi Al Fiqh Al-Islami, pp. 16-18; Uthman Ahmad Dukaly, At Tadabir Al Waqiyah min At Tasyabbuh bil Kuffar, pp. 35-36; Abdullah Sa’di Al Ghamidi, Tahdzirul Muslims min At Tasyabbuh bil Maghdhubi Alaihim Dhaallin walad, pp. 15).

Third, receiving the Knight of the Grand Cross is a form of loyalty to the infidels (muwalah al kuffar), which is forbidden in Islam. (Ahmad Ibn Abu-bakr Al-Ghumari, Al Istinfar li Ghazwi At Tasyabbuh bil Kuffar, pp. 17-18). The are numerous evidence which proscribes the muwalah such as, ” O, you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as your leaders.” (Al Maa’idah QS [5]: 51). So, it is obvious that it is forbidden in Islam for SBY to receive the title of Knight of the Grand Cross and it is a great sin which will be held accountable by Allah SWT on the Day of Judgement. Allah knows best. (RZ)