Ruling on erecting a monument to the Unknown Soldier

Praise be to Allah.

Erecting monuments to famous prominent people who played a role in building the nation in the fields of knowledge, economy and politics, and erecting a monument to what is known as the “Unknown Soldier” are all actions of jaahiliyyah and a kind of exaggeration, because we see them holding remembrance ceremonies around these monuments on special occasions and putting flowers on them to honour them. This is akin to the idolatry of ancient times, and is a means that leads to major shirk – we seek refuge with Allaah. 

It is essential to put an end to these customs so as to preserve the belief of Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of Allaah) and to prevent extravagance for no benefit and so as to avoid imitating or resembling the kuffaar in their customs and traditions in which there is nothing good, and which rather lead to serious evil.