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

Q: 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.

A: 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:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)