Q: I would like to raise an issue that caused a dispute between some people. It is the writing of the word "Allah" and the word "Muhammad" in an interlacing shape at the top of the door of one of the Masjids (mosques) in Adlab. Some of them said that it is not permissible to write these names in such a shape. The proof they mentioned to support their viewpoint was that in this way, Muhammad's status (peace be upon him), would be the same as Allah's which is not reasonable. Others said that writing them in such a way is permissible as Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) places His name beside the name of His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). I would like you to guide me to what is right. Thank you very much.

A: Shari`ah (Islamic law) texts join between testifying that no one is worthy of worship except Allah (Part No. 1; Page No. 82) and testifying that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah in certain places, such as in Adhan (call to Prayer), Iqamah (call to start the Prayer), in the Hadith: Islam is based on five pillars: Testifying that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah... And other places. These texts point out what Mukallafun (legally competent persons) should believe in with regard to Allah and the Messenger, such as saying that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. But mixing the two words in writing was not mentioned in the Book of Allah or the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet, peace be upon him). Moreover, mixing both words in writing contains great danger as this is similar to the false creed of the Christians with regard to the trinity. They believe that the Father, Son and Holy spirit are one God. It also contains an element of the false creed of pantheism, and leads to elevating the Prophet (peace be upon him) and worshipping him along with Allah. Therefore, it is prohibited to write the Name of Allah and the name of His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) by mixing the letters of the two words together. Moreover, it is also prohibited to write the words (Allah - Muhammad) next to each other on the top of the door of the Masjids or any other place because doing so may contain some delusion and misguidance with regard to the prohibitions mentioned above.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.