Since the Palestinian National Authority has recently printed and circulated a postage stamp that shows an image of Baal, and since we know that Baal is an idol and a false god that is written about and against in the Quran (as-Saffat 37: 125-126), we are wondering whether it is permissible to use the related stamp.

Abiding by Monotheism and rejecting the worship of idols and false gods is the central point in the message of all the Prophets and the Messengers who were sent by Allah the Most High. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an what means, "And verily We have raised in every nation a messenger, proclaiming 'Worship Allah and shun false gods.' Of the people were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom error became inevitably established. So travel through the earth and see what was the end of the deniers" (an-Naml 16: 36).

Baal is expressly mentioned in the Qur'an as one of the false gods which where worshipped by the pagans of old, and against whose worship preached the Prophet Elias, peace be upon him.

In our time, the consuetude of the governments is to dedicate postage stamps to personalities whom they want to honor, or to things which they are proud of. A Muslim must avoid all actions which involve honoring and being proud of idols and false gods, and this is the reason while it is not permitted to buy, to sell or to use the related stamp. In cases when abstaining from doing so could cause a relevant hardship, or in cases involving coercion, one is permitted to do so, but without being pleased with that action, but rather deprecating in one hearts the circulation of the stamp and the wickedness of those who printed and had it distributed.

As for the one who is pleased with honoring Baal by issuing stamps with its image, and is solid with those who printed the stamp and ordered its distribution, his condition is that of an apostate and an unbeliever, even if peradventure he does not actually use the stamp. Allah Ta'ala says what means, "Allah is the Patron of those who believe and leads them from the depths of darkness forth into light. As for those who reject faith, their patrons are the idols, which lead them from light into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of hellfire to dwell therein" (al-Baqarah 2: 257).

The Majlis al-Ulema of the Italian Muslim Association
http://amislam.com/history.htm
islam.inst@flashnet.it