Wearing shoes that have a “won ang” duck on it

· 15 Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 1444 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

Is it permissible to wear shoes that have a “won ang” duck on it? A won ang duck is a symbol in Korean culture which is given to a husband and wife and symbolizes unity between that couple. I know partaking in this culture is imitating the kafir, but I was wondering if I could wear shoes that have a little picture of this kind of duck solely for the looks of the shoe. Most people who look at the shoe will not know what it symbolizes. The shoe itself is not apart of the culture, rather a normal shoe anyone can buy.

Answer

Since it has a picture of an animate object on it and it also belongs to a specific cult, it is not permissible for you to wear it. However, if you cover it or remove it, then it is permissible for you to wear it.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & approved by
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

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