Category: Fiqh of Transactions

Muslim working in law enforcement in a non-Islamic country

I have a question regarding the permissibility of becoming a law enforcement officer in this country that does no follow sharee 'ah. Is it haraam to be enforcing laws that have not been developed by our Creator Allaah and His holy Prophets (upon whom be peace)? Even if it means enforcing laws on non-Muslims?

Partciluarly, is it permissible to enforce a law like punishing someone for speeding on the highway? What about allowing someone to drink alcohol if he is over 21 but not if he is under 21? Even though this is not Islamic, should a Muslim allow such behaviour among non-Muslims? Of course, Muslims will be accountable for these haraam actions in the Hereafter, but is it okay to let non-Muslims do this?

Praise be to Allah.If a Muslim is able, through such work, to fight evil and oppression, or to prevent or reduce it by using the existing laws which may contain something of justice and decency, then it is permissible if his intention is to seek the pleasure of Allah. He may do this work even if it ... Continue Reading

Collecting donations to give gifts to poor families at Christmas

In my school it is Christmas time. My school has this Christmas tradition. Every year a classroom gets an adopted family that is poor so they can buy gifts, food, and donate money to them for Christmas. Unfortunately, I have refused to donate any money or give any food for the following reason: These denotations will be done in the name of Christmas, so that when the adopted family receives these donations, they will say "God Bless The Christians". 
Am I right for refusing to give donations?

Praise be to Allaah. It seems that you are referring to the birth of the Messiah (peace be upon him), an occasion which the Christians venerate and have taken as a festival. The festivals of the Christians are part of their religion, and if the Muslims venerate the festivals of the kuffaar by ... Continue Reading

Borrowing in dollars & paying off debt in another currency

I am a South African who used to study in the United States. When I was studying, I borrowed $6000 US from another South African. We are both back in South Africa now, and it is more convenient for both of us if I pay him back I South African rands. Is this allowed?
 

Answered by Sheikh `Abd al-Hakîm Balmahdî, professor at al-Imâm Islamic University, Riyadh   This question was confronted at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and His Companions, since they had two currency standards at the time: the golddinar and the silver ... Continue Reading

Teaching the Quran for a salary

Is it allowed in Islam to accept money for teaching the Qur’ân?

Answered by Sheikh Riyâd al-Musaymîrî, professor at al-Imâm University in Riyadh Yes, it is permissible to accept money for teaching Qur’ân, particularly in case of need. In Sahîh al-Bukhârî [5737] it is related that the Prophet (peace be ... Continue Reading

Ruling on buying and selling shares

What is the ruling on buying and selling shares? Please note that some scholars regard shares from all companies as haraam. We hope that you can explain.

Praise be to Allah. Shares may be divided, according to the field of activity and work involved, into three categories:  1. Shares based on permissible work, such as companies that deal with transportation, shipping, manufacturing clothing, tools, office supplies, furniture, ... Continue Reading

What should he do about his paternal uncle who unlawfully took his house that he inherited from his father, and he cannot do anything about it?

My father had full ownership of an expensive house in Pakistan. About 10 years ago, when I was 10 years old, he had passed away, and I have been raised by a single mother. Our financial conditions are worsening as my education needs are growing. However, my fathers brother had taken the house unlawfully and has been living in there since my father's death. Whenever my mother would ask for our house back, he would threaten to humiliate her and destroy her. Since I had moved to Canada right after my father's death, I'm not familiar with the laws and authorities in Pakistan, and since Pakistan is failing to govern itself, it has poor controls of policing and other enforcement agencies. Also, since my uncle is a very dangerous person, I am afraid of what he would do if I go there and try to take my property back. My question is that, in such dangerous circumstances, am I still obliged to take my rightful property? And if yes, are there any suggestions on how I should go about doing so?

Praise be to Allah. Firstly:  What your uncle has done with this act of transgression – if what you say is true – is a grave major sin. The inheritance must be given after the death of the deceased to the legitimate heirs without any wrongdoing or transgression. Allah, ... Continue Reading

What is the ruling on paying membership fees to Islamic societies and centres in Western countries?

I want to join an islamic society in europe. This society includes a mosque and dars.
The shura demands a membership fee. Is this halal?

Praise be to Allah. If the situation is as described, there is nothing wrong with paying the fees demanded by the society and this is their right. If the one who pays the fee intends, in addition to benefiting from the activities, that what he pays is to support that society, then he will be ... Continue Reading

Can he sell computer programs even though he is afraid that they may be used for haraam purposes?

Is it permissible to sell computer programs although I am afraid that they will use them for sinful purposes and that I may incur a burden of sin as a result of that, or am I not responsible for what the purchaser does after he has bought it from me?

Praise be to Allah. With regard to programs and computers that may be used for good or bad purposes, it is permissible to sell them and trade in them, unless it is known that the purchaser is going to use them for haraam purposes. In that case it is not permissible to sell them to him. The same ... Continue Reading

The company gave him some money to buy a computer to develop his skills at work; is it permissible for him to sell it and make use of the money?

I am an engineer working for a company. One of the perks that I get in return for my work is a sum of money to compensate me for what I have spent on updating my engineering skills, such as conferences and books. If I do not use the money during one year, the company keeps the money. The company also allows me, as a one-off, to buy a computer without stipulating any maximum limit on the price of this computer. Some of my colleagues who have the same perks bought a computer and gave the invoice to the company to show that they bought this computer, then they returned the computer to the store and took the money and kept it. Is it permissible for me to do the same thing?.

Praise be to Allah. It is not permissible for you to make use of this money except in accordance with the conditions stipulated by those who are in charge of your work, which is buying a computer and using it as they have stipulated to update your engineering skills and so on. It is not ... Continue Reading

Gaining benefits by deceptive means

I live and work in UK. In order to get extra welfare benefits to help pay my rent and local council taxes (on top of national taxes) I am showing less income (earnings). By doing so I get extra money which helps pay various bills and I save some as well. Is this permissible? Is this income Haram? Is the whole amount of benefit I get Haram or parts?

  Bukhari reported that Anas (Radiya Allahu Anhu) said: 'A Jewish girl brought a poisoned lamb to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and he ate from it'. However, cheating and making use of deceptive methods to gain this benefit, by providing the department of this ... Continue Reading

Boycott & Muslim interests

No doubt that there are various means to help and support Palestine and its people. These means differ from one Muslim to another. ... more

The Credit Crunch: An Islamic Perspective

The current crisis has caused many people to question the very principles upon which conventional banking is based... ... more

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