(#186)
Question
Asalam Alaykum dear sheikh and mufti , how are you ?
I have a fiqh concern . Should I look for a better job ? In this job I’m a cashier at a mainly sporting goods clothing store in the mall and I’m inevitably exposed to immodest woman constantly almost the entire time I’m there working . Should I immediately quit this job ? And another thing is that kids come here to buy candies with pork gelatin . Should I immediately quit this job and go do something else more halal ? I don’t have kids and I’m 29 living with my father . I’m trying to marry with a sister after I have enough money to give her mahr and go see her parents overseas to propose.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We have received your query regarding working in a sports store, our response is as follows:
One would not be permitted to work as a cashier at a non-Muslim owned store that sells pork, alcohol, Haraam meat products or other Haraam consumables. The basis of its impermissibility is that by working at the counter one would effectively be executing a Haraam transaction in person for the non-Muslim owner by way of selling it to the customer and thereby effecting the sale transaction on his behalf. Shariah strictly prohibits one from selling Haraam commodities such as alcohol and pork etc. It is also not permissible to act on behalf of another person in the execution of a Haraam act.
Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:
“Allah Ta’ala has cursed wine and the one who drinks it, serves it to others, sells it, buys it, extracts the juice of grapes for wine-production, has it extracted for him, conveys it and has it conveyed to him” [Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 2, Pg. 161]
Thus we should avoid the promotion and assistance of a Haraam business, this has been expressly and categorically forbidden in the Noble Qur’an. Allah Ta’ala says:
“And do not help one another in sin and transgression.” [Qur’an, 5:3].
With regards to the aspect of immodesty, our advice to you is that if you are unable to protect your Iman and chastity in such an environment then you should search for some other alternative occupation which will be safer for your Iman and chastity. The greatest asset we possess is our Iman, to risk our salvation in the Aakhirah for this Dunya is not a wise decision. Alhamdulillah there are many other options available and inshallah by adopting an occupation in which ones Iman is safe will draw the mercy of Allah Ta’ala and you will see more Barakah (blessing) in your sustenance.
Always keep in mind the following Ayah of The Noble Qur`an:
“He who fears Allah Ta’ala, (one who has Taqwa/piety) Allah shall create an escape (from difficulties.) … and shall provide for him (what he requires) from sources from which he never expected (to receive provisions.)” {Surah Talaaq-2/3}
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
Muhammad Irshad Motara
7th Rabiul Awwal 1445
23rd September 2023
