Is it permissible to visit a church, synagogue or temple for deriving lesson and to attack baatil?

Answer

It is not permissible to visit an evil place such as a temple, church or synagogue which are abodes of the shayaateen. These places of kufr and shirk are accursed - mal‟oon and mabghoodh. In fact, it is not permissible to visit even lands such as the Dead Sea area for deriving lesson since these are abodes of Allah‟s Wrath and on which His Athaab had settled. The prohibition is clearly stated in the Hadith.

The idea of lesson and attacking baatil is the effect of ignorance. To criticize zina one does not have to enter a brothel. To criticize liquor and gambling one does not have to enter a bar and a casino.

Muslims are aware of the evil and prohibition of kufr and shirk. Therefore the argument of deriving lesson is absolultely baseless and nafsaani. The Qur‟aan Majeed states: "In fact, man has insight of himself even though he puts forth excuses." What is the lesson to be acquired by visiting a church? What is the manner for attacking baatil to be gained from a church? For „attacking‟ baatil there is absolutely no need to contaminate one‟s soul in an abode of kufr and shirk.

Regarding visiting these accursed abodes, the following is stated in Shaami:

"It (church) is the abode of the shayaateen, hence performing Salaat in the temples of the kuffaar is forbidden.....Imaam Shaafi has explicitly stated that these are the abodes of the shayaateen.......

In Taatarkhaaniya it is mentioned: „It is forbidden for a Muslim to enter a synagogue and a church because these are the abodes of the shayaateen.‟

Verily, the fatwa has been issued to inflict ta‟zeer (whipping) on a Muslim who frequents a synagogue with the Yahood."

(Shaami)

It is forbidden (Makrooh Tahrimi) for a Muslim to enter a synagogue and a church. It is forbidden because it is the place of gathering of the shayaateen. The fatwa of ta‟zeer has been issued for a Muslim who frequents a synagogue with the Yahood."

(Al-Bahrur Raaiq)

"It is Makrooh (Makrooh Tahrimi and forbidden) for a Muslim to enter a synagogue and a church because these are places for the gathering of shayaateen."

(Aalamghiri)