Question: I have a necklace
and it says Allah in Arabic. I want to wear it all the time but my mother
told me not to because of the disrespect like when I go to the bathroom.
But I have seen so many people wearing it. So is it alright if I wear it
or is it better that not to wear it all the time?
Answer: It is alright to wear
the necklace. The question of respect and disrespect is a relevant one
though. Your mother’s caution reflects the manners that she was taught
relating to the proper handling of the Qur’an, and, as such, to
Allah’s name as it is written on paper or any other object. These manners,
or etiquette are a reflection of one’s sincerity in everyday activities.
For example, Muslims generally will be in a state of wudu whenever handling
the Qur’an even though this is not essential. You do it because
it elevates your action to a greater level of sincerity and acceptability
with Allah. The bathroom is not a proper place to be reading or handling
the Qur’an and it would thus be a disrespect to handle the Qur’an
in the bathroom. All these factors are not rules for rote memorization
and following, but rather, reflect the courtesy and decorum with which
a Muslim should approach matters of how to live and do things according
to high standards.
So in wearing the necklace, one could
be additionally careful with it and with the places that one carries it
into because doing so reflects a greater respect and humility for it, but,
there is no legal rule to force you to do so.
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