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    Fatawa 2006 Jobs and Works

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    ISLAMIC LIBRARY
    - Skandar is involved in an internet marketing business called Quixtar where he earns commissions on sales from his downline network. - He only sells and promotes halal products but acknowledges some in his downline may sell non-halal products like those containing pork or alcohol. - He asks the scholar if it is permissible to earn commissions based on total sales, including potential non-halal items sold by those in his downline network over which he has no control. - The scholar responds that earning direct commissions from known non-halal sales would not be permitted but asks for more details on how commissions are calculated to provide a clearer fatwa.

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    Fatawa 2006 Jobs and Works

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    ISLAMIC LIBRARY
    81 views34 pages
    - Skandar is involved in an internet marketing business called Quixtar where he earns commissions on sales from his downline network. - He only sells and promotes halal products but acknowledges some in his downline may sell non-halal products like those containing pork or alcohol. - He asks the scholar if it is permissible to earn commissions based on total sales, including potential non-halal items sold by those in his downline network over which he has no control. - The scholar responds that earning direct commissions from known non-halal sales would not be permitted but asks for more details on how commissions are calculated to provide a clearer fatwa.

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    - Skandar is involved in an internet marketing business called Quixtar where he earns commissions on sales from his downline network. - He only sells and promotes halal products but acknowledges some in his downline may sell non-halal products like those containing pork or alcohol. - He asks the scholar if it is permissible to earn commissions based on total sales, including potential non-halal items sold by those in his downline network over which he has no control. - The scholar responds that earning direct commissions from known non-halal sales would not be permitted but asks for more details on how commissions are calculated to provide a clearer fatwa.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    81 views34 pages

    Fatawa 2006 Jobs and Works

    Uploaded by

    ISLAMIC LIBRARY
    - Skandar is involved in an internet marketing business called Quixtar where he earns commissions on sales from his downline network. - He only sells and promotes halal products but acknowledges some in his downline may sell non-halal products like those containing pork or alcohol. - He asks the scholar if it is permissible to earn commissions based on total sales, including potential non-halal items sold by those in his downline network over which he has no control. - The scholar responds that earning direct commissions from known non-halal sales would not be permitted but asks for more details on how commissions are calculated to provide a clearer fatwa.

    Copyright:

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    FATAWA JOBS, WORKS, BUSINESS 2006

    Internet Network Chain Commission Systems

    Subject: Working in Internet Pyramid-Chain Commission Companies


    From: skandar
    Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2006 11:01 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer Kahf, Assalamu alaikom,
    I am involved in Quixtar business that I read your fatwa about in 2003. I understand that many
    Muslims have questions and many, many Muslim are building it.
    In this business I do not buy nor sell non-Shari’ah compliant commodities. What I sell is an
    opportunity to make money and to be successful. When I sponsor someone, I ask him to not buy or
    sell non-Shari’ah compliant products. My income is dependent on how much business point my
    group generates, and points are based on the monetary value plus other components, such us the
    exclusivity of the product. To sum what I am doing I can put it in few bullet points:
    * I buy, sell, use and market only Halal products.
    * I generate income from what I sell to my clients, buy from the company, what my group
    sells or buy, and bonuses and incentives from the company
    * I discourage anyone in my team and I advice them for the sake of Allah to not buy or sell
    non-Shari’ah compliant products, Muslim or non Muslims.
    * We are working toward making some products Halal certified and we have succeeded in
    doing so with some products
    * I introduce people to this business and I am selling an opportunity and not Haram products.
    What people do is up to them but I advice them not to market Haram products because their income
    and use will be directly resulting from Haram. I generate money from the opportunity I am selling.
    Could you advice. azakum Allah kul Khair. Assalamu alaikom

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Skandar,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    If you want my opinion on an issue you must describe it in detail: Please tell me:
    What exactly you sell? I mainly sell energy drinks, apparels, home cleaning products, electronics,
    health and beauty products,.. The products that have no alcohol, pork that I buy from the company
    and retail these products.
    What do you buy? I buy everything a Muslim family usually use on the daily basis, baby diaper,
    clothes, cleaning products, juices, energy drinks, Halal certified vitamins,.. where from? From
    www.quixtar.com or its catalogs
    What is your relation with the company and what the contract says in details? I am an executive
    distributor, buy paying a signing up fees, I have unlimited access to all its products and services by
    using an ID number and a private password. I am free to buy and use or retail their products. I buy
    these products wholesale and retail them and I can make profit. Also, this company allows me to
    signing up new IBOs to be part of my organization. At the end of each month my bonus check will
    be based on my organization purchase from the company.
    Your relations with people you convince to come in to the company and what do they do and what
    do you earn from their actions/sales I share what I do with people and I show them the business
    plan, if interested I sponsor them into this business, I help them signing up new IBOs, I answer any
    questions they may have and help them grow. My business growth depends on their growth. I don't
    earn any money by signing up new distributor I only make money when they or their own teams of
    IBOs and clients buy products from Quixtar
    Opportunities can't be sold? What do you tell those who buy "opportunities" and what do they get
    from you and what do you get in exchange? Because I not only buy and sell products, I also share
    this opportunity with others, I get paid when my down-line buy products from the company.
    What are the conditions in the contracts of what you said you "sell" and what are the things you
    said are Halal? Are you the Mufti or I am, if you know it is Halal why asking me? Please tell me
    what do you sell and under what conditions if you want my opinion?
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf

    From: Skandar
    Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2006 8:04 PM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    I was very happy to read your email back. I ask Allah to enrich your wealth of knowledge.
    Jazakum allahu Kul Khair. I would like to show you the plan the way I show it to prospect who are
    looking to make extra income. If I can have half hour I can show you the plan. I tried to be as
    detailed as possible to give you an idea about what I am doing. I really appreciate your time and
    may Allah reward for your ijtihad.
    The business that I am building consists of buying, selling, and marketing some companies’
    products using word-of-mouth. I buy products and retail them or use them and market them to
    clients.
    Every product has a Point Value (PV) associated to it. If your total purchase, Business Volume
    (BV), is $250 the company associate to it 100PV. Your bonus is in direct relation with your PV.
    Here is the bonus chart:
    For 100PV business (approximately $250 worth of product purchased under your name from the
    company)-----> you receive 3% back: 3%*$250 = $7,5
    For 300PV ($750) -----> 6% bonus = 6%*$750 = $45 bonus.
    600PV----->9%
    1000PV----->12%
    1500PV------>15%
    2500PV------->18%
    4000PV-------->21%
    6000PV-------->23%
    7500PV-------->25%
    You can sign up clients under your ID so that when they buy products the total BV will be added to
    your own business. The real growth comes by signing up new businesses (people who are
    interested and looking to start a business and become Independent Business Owner IBO) under
    your numbers, without limitation, also any IBO is free to either use the products only, signing
    clients and selling, or signing up also unlimited number of IBO with him or her.
    The company looks at your total PV and reward you based on that. As you may have noticed, the
    25% bracket means almost $18750*25% = $4700. This bonus will be divided between my team
    based on the volume of the business we created.
    There is no limit for growth and a down-line can generate more money that his up-line. So it is not
    that if you come last you will make the least.
    Regarding the products, our business is mainly on the Internet. We have thousand of products,
    almost everything but perishable food. Few foods, like meal replacement bars, protein bars,
    vitamins are made with pork gelatin, some are make with fish gelatin. Also, some breath fresheners
    have some alcohol. Also this company partnered with big names company to market and distribute
    their products, such us Circuit City, IBM, Office Max,... also, they partnered with Omaha Steak
    House which probably sells pork. Now even though my business depends on my personal BV
    added to my down-line BV, I can not control what they buy, it is their business and they can build it
    as they may wish, I can not fire them or impose nothing on them, they are Independent Business
    Owner. All I did is show them what I am doing, advice them on not to buy or sell non-Shari’ah
    compliant goods and services, and help if they need help: remember my business growth depends
    on them. On total, a very small portion of the products have gelatin. The company does not sell
    liquor.
    With regard to my activities, I buy, sell, promote and market only Halal products. I discourage
    everyone in my team from buying the products that contain pork gelatin. Also I look for people
    who want to build this business and sign them up.
    The products that we buy and promote can be seen at www.quixtar.com

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Skandar
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    The idea of chain commission is permissible provided it is made completely transparent to any new
    comer in this business. On the other hand, sale of cloths, utensils, kitchen appliances, furniture and
    the like is permissible through the internet. On the other hand, sale of gold medals, gold, foreign
    currencies and similar items require delivery immediately at the time of the contract.
    Furthermore, fees for new entrants are permissible only if there is a clear service provided to
    him/her. If there is no service provided to the new comer the entrance fees are not permissible and
    taking a share or a percentage of these fees by the ""inviter"" requires also complete transparency
    whereby the new comer knows exactly the amount of the fees that goes to the inviter.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf

    From: Skandar
    Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 9:24 PM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    How about the part where people who are in the business who buy non-Shari’ah compliant
    commodities and I get a bonus from the company for the total purchases they make. Again they are
    independent in their decisions. I only introduce them to the business. I make commission on the
    total products I buy (only Halal) added to the total products the other independent business owner
    buy from the company (may include Haram products). This is the most important point in my
    question.
    Secondly, can I share your answer with Muslims in this business? If you don't mind.
    Skandar

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br Skandar,
    Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
    I don't think that it is Halal to take any commission on the sale by other persons of non-permissible
    items. Apparently you can't determine or know the amount of these sales but you are sure that the
    majority is Halal always aren't you? Under this assumption I suggest that you may make an
    educated guess, may be on the basis of the value of the Haram to total inventory if you have such
    info or if you can get it, and then donate to Muslim charity an equal percentage of the commission
    on the sales of persons whom you suspect may sell Haram items in the group you get commission
    for. If you can't tell what is the percentage give as much donations to Muslim charities as you can.
    Of course you can share these correspondence with others.
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Wassalam,
    Monzer Kahf
    ------------------------------------------

    Subject: network commission system


    From: rizig
    Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2006 2:20 AM
    Question

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    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Rizig
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Kindly notice the following:
    1) I don't give Fatawa on individual entities. I Only discuss transactions, situations and ideas.
    2) I have already given my opinion on network pyramid style commission system, it is on my
    web and on Islam online.
    3) I have no time to search on the internet for you. You must do your homework yourself. Please
    describe for me in details, in English, the transaction or situation and I will give my views if
    there is any thing new.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -----------------------------------------------

    Working in Conventional Finance and Banks

    Subject: Working in Corporate Finance: Acceptable?


    From: Tsura through Islam on line
    Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 2:36 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I have a potentially long question, I hope you do not mind. I would like to know if working in
    Corporate Finance is acceptable in Islam? Also known as Transaction Advisory Services. I do not
    have a full understanding of what the job entails, but the basics are: Mergers & Acquistions
    Corporate Restructuring Transaction Support Transaction Tax Strategic Finance Advisory Project
    Finance Forensic Group For more on what these involve:
    I have read previous fatawa, but what I am not sure about this job is if it requires recording Riba. It
    may, however, involve advising client companies to take interest-based loans, is that acceptable?
    Any light on this career would be helpful - I do not know anyone working in it to find out more
    specific details. Jazak'Allah Khairan. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Tsura,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    As long as you don't write an interest contract, advising and teaching is not Haram.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -------------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working in a Bank


    From: Sana through Islam online
    Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 7:46 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    Firstly I would apologize that my question might be slightly different from the above given
    categories. My question: Is working in any sector of the banking institution considered Haram? If
    so why? I’m offered a sales support job wherein I hv to sell loan and due to my father's pressure I
    have to take up this job as he is not religious by nature & will not consider Islamic point of view.
    Urgent reply needed. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Sr. Sana
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    The prohibition of Riba includes taking it, giving it writing it and being a witness to it. This is told
    by the Prophet, pbuh, in a well known Hadith. While there is no need to extend the limits of this
    prohibition, we must understand what it exactly covers. By the way interest, as known in the
    banking and finance system today is exactly the Riba that is mentioned in the Qur'an and the
    Sunnah.
    Selling loans and credit cards that contain an interest clause is an essential part of writing it. On the
    other hand, working in the IT department, as a teller, in research departments, etc. is not covered by
    the prohibition. We must also remember that jobs have different grading in Shari'ah, for instance
    teaching Qur'an or training on Islamic finance can't be equated with jobs that help, by institutional
    definition, sinful transactions such as Riba and working in non-interest departments of a bank
    makes you affected by the ""dust of Riba"" as the term used by the Prophet, pbuh.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ---------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working in a Moroccan Bank


    From: A Brother through Islam online
    Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:28 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I'm 28 years old from Morocco. I'm working in the "Moroccan post" as "in charge of formation",
    but I have an offer with a better salary to work in a Moroccan bank as also ""in charge of
    formation"" (we don't have Islamic banks in morocco). Is this Halal or Haram, taking into
    consideration the fact that ""Moroccan post"" is not a real financial institution, but she permits to
    customers to deposit money and have interests about it (dafatir tawfir). Also, Barid Al-Maghrib has
    concluded, as a public establishment, several agreements with some financial companies (charikaat
    assalaf) in order to sell for their account their loans contracts and earning by this way commissions
    from these ""salaf companies"" I am hesitating, If I quit to a bank, it will be the same thing or I
    have to take into consideration the percentage of Riba loans in sales turnover. I have to stay or to
    go? Will I have any wezr? Thanks! Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br.
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Working in an interest-based financial institution in areas that do not include writing or signing
    interest-based contract is not forbidden, whether the financial institution is a bank or a post office
    or any other company. Yet we must remember that such a job helps undoubtedly the operation of
    the institution, it is not far away from the Haram activities of the Bank But as long as you do not
    write or sign an interest based contract on behalf of the employer you are not doing a Haram action.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -----------------------------------------------

    Subject: Is My Mother's Salary Halal? She is a bank lawyer


    From: Sara through Islam on line
    Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 1:52 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I have two questions. First is my parents both work in banks in one way or the other. My father
    retired several years back but he receives a certain amount of pension but my mom is right now the
    prime supporter of the family. While my dad was directly linked to banks my mother works in a
    place which receives its pay from banks but she doesn’t work with interest, i.e., she works in a
    place which acts as a court for all banks Islamic and non-Islamic. She told me that these banks pay
    their institute. Its like a place which takes complaints from customers etc. What I want to know is is
    her salary Halal? Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Sr. Sara
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Your mother's Salary relates to the work she does. If her work is permissible the point that it comes
    from banks does not affect its permissibility. She should be careful to avoid giving any judgment
    that gives a right to any party to collect interest from the other (customer complaints as you said) as
    giving such judgment is as Haram as being a witness to a Riba contract. The prohibition of the
    latter is mentioned clearly in a Hadith by the Prophet Muhammad, pbuh.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -----------------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working for a Conventional Bank


    From: A Questioner through Islam on line
    Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2006 4:35 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    MY HUSBAND IS A BANKER WORKING FOR A CONVENTIONAL BANK. HE IS IN THE
    SERVICE DEPARTMENT. AFTER READING YOUR FATWA THAT IF A PERSON IS
    DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN INTEREST BASED TRANSACTION IT IS UNLAWFUL, MY
    HUSBAND IS REFRAINING FROM IT. HE IS A VERY NICE PERSON WITH A GOOD
    HEART AND HAD VERY FIRM BELIEF IN GOD'S WILL. BUT HE IS NOT TRYING HIS
    LEVEL BEST TO GET OUT FROM THIS ORGANISATION ALTHUOGH HE DID TRIED
    AND ROTATE HIS C.V. TO SOME ISLAMIC BANKS AND CONVENTIONAL BANKS AS
    WELL. MY QUESTION IS THAT SHOULD I LEAVE HIM AS HE IS NOT GOING FOR
    ISLAMIC BANKING SIDE AS I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY PRAYERS AND DEEDS NOT
    BEEN COUNTED. HE IS NOT INVOLVED DIRECTLY WITH ANY INTEREST BASED
    TRANSACTIONS NOW BUT HIS TEAM IS. HE IS TRYING TO KEEP HIMSELF INVOLVED
    WITH NON INTEREST BASED PRODUCTS BUT STILL SOMETIMES HE DOES HAVE TO
    GET INVOLVE AND I THINK HE IS NOT LOOKING GRAVELY INTO THIS MATTER.
    PLEASE HELP ME. WHAT SHOULD BE MY ROLE AND WHAT I SHOULD DO. Jazakum
    Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Sr.
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    I think your role should be to keep reminding and advising him. DO NOT LEAVE HIM, NEVER
    FOR THE REASON YOU MENTIONED. What you need to know is that God is much more
    generous than we think. He does not wipe out good deeds and prayers of a person even when that
    person himself/herself does also bad deeds, each one is considered alone on its own count and
    merit. God Says [17:15] ""Wa La Taziru Waziratun Wizra 'Ukhra"" which means that the burden
    of a deed is not carried to another. Your prayers and His are InShaAllah acceptable and rewarded
    by God so all your other good deeds and your husband's. However, he needs to continue being keen
    to avoid involvement with writing any interest-based contract or signing it. Other wise working in a
    conventional bank is permissible as long as one is not involved in writing interest contracts.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working for Investment Companies in the West


    From: Said through Islam online
    Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2005 6:20 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    What is Islamic rule regarding working investment companies in the west. I recently graduated
    from University and I am unable to find job except in these companies.
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Said
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Working in banks and investment companies is permissible provided you do not make an interest-
    based transaction for your self or for a customer. This means being a teller or an IT specialist in a
    bank is permissible.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ---------------------------------

    Subject: Working for an investment bank


    From: Abdul Rahman
    Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 1:53 AM
    Question
    Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah Dr. Monzer,
    My name is Abdul Rahman, Insha'Allah this message finds you well (I understand that you are
    traveling). I'm writing to seek your counsel on a deeply personal issue that has wracked my brain
    for some time, and that is the Islamic position with regards to working for an investment bank (not
    a retail or commercial bank).
    A couple of summers ago, I worked as an intern at an investment bank called Goldman Sachs; my
    primary job function was to model out potential merger and acquisition transactions in the
    healthcare sector. I was well-aware going into my summer that working in investment banking
    came with the risk of dealing with unsavory financial instruments (bonds, convertible bonds, etc.),
    but I was able to avoid that problem by explicitly asking my employer if I could work with equity
    products alone. My request was granted, and I had a very good summer and was extended an offer
    to return for a full-time job. I ended up declining the firm's offer, however, because I feared that I
    would be forced into situations where I would have no choice but to work with debt products (for
    example, if a company finances part of an acquisition with debt rather than shares of its stock).
    This, in spite of the fact that working in investment banking would provide me with the surest path
    into a career I am truly interested in, venture capital ("Islamic finance" at its essence). I tried to
    consult local scholars when I was working through my decision, but didn't find anyone that was
    informed enough on what investment banking was to provide me with a coherent answer.
    Coincidentally, the investment banking firm I worked for has reached out to me recently, asking if I
    would be interested in joining them if an opportunity opened up, but I don't know if I should be,
    since the Prophet (SAWS) invoked a curse on the receiver of interest, the payer of interest, the
    scribe and the two witnesses ("They are the same"). As an analyst at an investment bank, I would
    not be the receiver or payer, but there is a chance that I may be a 'witness'; that chance is lessened
    by the fact that I would be working in the Technology industry group (where companies generally
    have zero or very little debt on their balance sheets), but it still stands.
    I know you are extremely busy, but I would sincerely appreciate any knowledge/advice you can
    impart. Jazakumullahu khayr, ws,
    Abdul Rahman

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Abdul Rahman,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Advising on using debt instruments is itself not Haram. Clearly you are roving around the 'Hima
    and you may cross its boundary sometimes. What I suggest is: you may take this job with the
    intention of training and knowing techniques and people in the field to serve in Islamic investment
    banking and with the concern to give to a colleague or subordinate any thing that directly relates to
    interest and once you think you can go for Islamic only go for it. Although I always say that the
    Fatwa is permissibility of working in conventional banks provided one does not write or witness a
    Riba contract, I also add that avoiding it is better because you would be a supportive element to an
    interest-institution. Investment banking is substantially different and there it is much easier to avoid
    any involvement with Riba.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ---------------------------------------

    Working in Companies that May Deal with Some Haram


    Subject: Working for a Company Dealing with Interest
    From: Sammeh through Islam on line
    Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 1:24 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I am 50 years old and I work for a school in Muscat.I am in charge of the store of the school. My
    boss ( a Sudani ) is giving me a very hard time by always shouting and insulting me, it looks as if
    he hates me and wants to take revenge on me. He respects the other Indians who are non Muslims a
    lot. I work very hard and he even gives me his personal work to do and I don’t object, he even
    gives me his accounts work I don’t object, I do it for him, first of all because I am helpless and
    secondly because I have a family to support and I just cant object for anything, I have to put my
    head down for anything he tells me. I am very helpless in my job. I have no prestige and I am very
    low front of all as he has kept me in this way since 4and half years now. He shouts and insults me
    front of other employees which has affected me in my personal life (physically, emotionally and
    mentally). If I am little late to finish my salaah he shouts at me, if I happen to go to toilet he shouts
    at me telling why you don’t tell before moving from your seat. He harasses me even for simple
    things and he is a Muslim, prays like me and fasts like me. This has even affected my family to
    certain extent. Many times when I am out of the school I curse him as I am helpless, I ask only
    ALMIGHTY ALLAH to punish him as I have no one else. It’s hard to find any job too here plus I
    am not very young. I was desperately waiting to get rid of this job and to find some other. But
    could not find one as it?s very hard here, we should have higher recommendations or from some
    known people. We have no one here to do this for us so we ask ALMIGHTY ALLAH to help and
    he is the GREATEST. Recently one of my freind who is supplying some security items for a
    manager in an investment company told him about me and he has asked me to submit my CV. Now
    I am confused to go for this job or no even though I desperately need one. This is an investment
    company and the vacancy maybe in their insurance department ( gulf insurance ). As our salaf
    bothers are of the view that its completely Haram even to join their company whereas some other
    say that as long as a person is not involved in direct transactions with interest the job is not Haram.
    Now what we Muslims have to do in this situation where each one has his own opinion which
    supports QURANIC verses. I am afraid to take this decision because I do not want to jump into
    Haram, I will bear my torture in the school but not to do something which ALMIGHTY ALLAH
    has forbidden. I may work in their IT department or administration; I am basically a webdesigner, it
    depends on them to allot me the respective job. This world is really a fitna and it’s very difficult to
    find a clean place to work in, 99% of the companies deal with interest so what should we do?
    Another question is similar: my son is in his first year of accounting and I am frightened for his
    future now as its difficult to find a job in a company, who do not deal with interest especially his
    work in accounts will be to handle all calculations relating interest, what should we do pleases
    advise. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Sammeh
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Drawing such a bad picture about life and relations on job is not healthy or helpful. Life in fact is
    much brighter and easier. As a web-designer there are many jobs for you in Masqat, and In Oman
    and every where else in the world. There is a serious problem when one looks at life from such a
    helpless angle as you described in your letter! And I first invite you to change your outlook to life,
    to relations, to other people and to things all together.
    Then there are decisions that only one person can take and no one else can take them. One of these
    decisions is to choose when there are different views on an issue. Differences means things much
    be handled on the basis of individual decision approach! I go along with the opinion of the majority
    of experts in Shari'ah that argues that it is always permissible to work in companies, including
    conventional banks that deal with interest provided one does not undertake an activity that puts one
    in a position to write or sign an interest contract. Usually this is part of web designers! I am also
    sure that there are people who argue otherwise, here where you need to think for your self and
    make up your own mind.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working for a Non-Muslim IT Firm


    From: Riyaz through Islam on line
    Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 1:00 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I'm living in a non Muslim country and working for a non Muslim IT firm. Recently I got a job
    offer from a non Muslim IT company which is a subsidiary of a leasing company. What is the
    Islamic ruling on working for such a company? Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Riyaz
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Working in IT is permissible unless what you produce can only used in Haram with no other uses,
    then it becomes Haram.
    Working in a leasing company, or a subsidiary of it for a job that does not require you to do Haram
    is permissible. For instance, you should not include writing interest-based contract in your job. but
    it is not one of your concerns what does the company do with other contracts t(hat are not
    permissible) with other people. the salaries you take are for permissible job and they are
    permissible regardless of the contracts the company does with others.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ---------------------------------------

    Subject: Designing programs for gambling


    From: Wael through Islam on Line
    Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 2:19 PM
    Question
    Dearest Dr. Monzer, As-Salamu `alaykum wa rahmatu Allah wa Barakatuh
    I have received the following question from a brother in Reno. He asks about his job whether it is
    lawful or not.. Pls. help and give him counseling because he is one of the most active members of
    the Muslim community in Reno. Following is his question:
    I am really concerned that I will appear that I am looking for a loophole to use for my Haram job, I
    feel deep inside that it is Haram, but here is my job description any way.
    I work as a Network Engineer for a company that manufactures and sells Slot Machines that are
    used for gambling in Casinos all over the world.
    One type of slot machines is called "Progressive" games, in which a number of games are
    connected together so the when a player makes a wager he or she are betting on winning the Jack
    Pot which is all the money in all the machines that are connected together. These machines can be
    in one casino or in several casinos across the state.
    These machines are connected together by a Network that uses switches and cables and Microsoft
    servers and PCs. My job is to install these servers and make sure the network is performing
    efficiently for the games to report the amounts of money they contain, so they can share the
    winnings.
    I also test the software and decide the functionality of the hardware needed.
    This company's earnings are 100% from selling or leasing these slot machines to casinos, and the
    casinos get their money from people who go gambling.
    So my question is a) Can I continue to work in this company b) I have worked in this industry for 6
    years new so how do I purify my earned money that I have from this job if it is determined to be
    Haram
    So, pls. dr. help me and that brother in knowing whether it is ok for him to continue in his job or
    not? Visiting Imam of the NNMC, . Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
    Wael
    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Wael,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    This kind of job is not permissible in Shari'ah because it exclusively serves a forbidden
    action/behavior that is gambling. The income that is generated from it is also not permitted because
    the work itself is prohibited. This brother must quit and get another job immediately. For past
    income he made from this work, he should calculate the bear minimum of basic needs and donate
    all savings to Muslim charity as soon as possible without putting his family in any jeopardy. He
    should devote more of his time and wealth/income in the future to making repentance, Istighfar and
    good deed, including Dhikr, prayers, fasting, Istighfar, community service, charity, etc., since Allah
    promised that "Surely good deeds wipe out [or remove away] bad actions.""
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf

    From: Wael
    Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 12:05 PM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, As-Salamu `alayukm, Jazka Allah khyran for your constant help and assistance.
    I just need a clarification: how far this case is different from working in the IT department in a
    bank, which is deemed permissible by your eminence and other scholars. I just need clarification
    because I know that the brother who sent me this question will act accordingly and therefore I just
    need to be very clear regarding it. Following is the fatwa you Dr. issued in this regard:
    "As regards your question, we'd like to state that it is permissible to work in any department in a
    conventional bank as long as you do not prepare any interest-based contracts or sign them on behalf
    of the bank.
    Here is the Fatwa issued by Dr. Monzer Kahf, a prominent economist and counselor, who states:
    It is permissible to work in any department in a conventional bank, credit department, the IT or
    software department or others, as long as you do not prepare any interest-based contracts or sign
    them on behalf of the bank.
    This is the opinion of the greatest Shari`ah scholar of our time, the late Sheikh Mustafa Al-Zarqa
    (died 1999), Sheikh Al-Qaradawi, Sheikh As-Salami of Tunisia and Sheikh Adh-Dhareer of Sudan.
    The argument is that such jobs in conventional banks are not included in the wrath of Allah that is
    mentioned by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the giver of Riba (interest), its
    taker, its writer and its two witnesses (reported by Muslim). Besides, a prohibition of working in
    banks places unnecessary inconvenience and hardship on Muslims both in the Muslim majority
    countries and Muslim communities of other countries.
    Dr. Monzer adds:
    Working in conventional banks is not Haram unless the worker is in the area of making loan
    contracts with customers. If you are in IT, you do not make these contracts and your work is
    permissible. To claim otherwise requires evidence from Shari`ah because the Prophet (peace and
    blessings be upon him) declared that the wrath of Allah is on the Riba taker, giver, writer and
    witnesses. You do not have to extend this la`nah (wrath) to word processors, tellers, IT or software
    persons and guards of a bank. Besides, not all conventional banks' activities are in the area of
    interest; they also provide several other permissible services.""
    jazka Allah khyran
    Yours,
    Wael

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Wael
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    This is extremely different from working in a bank as an IT specialist. Here your job is only
    designing and servicing gambling activity, In banks, you don’t exclusively service Riba. If the job
    in a bank is exclusive to designing and servicing Riba alone to the extent that it does not suit or
    serve any other function, action or transaction but Riba it would be the same as our case here. But
    ITs in banks provide services to all the ban's activities and a considerable amount of them are
    permissible.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ------------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working For Relief Organization


    From: Shahid through Islam online
    Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 2:22 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I am working one of the Relief organization and I have some concern. Please give me the answers
    of my questions which are according to Quran and Sunnah.
    1. If organization collects some donations for emergency relief ( for example they have collected
    funds during earthquake in Pakistan). (a) for how long they can keep those funds. (b) Can they use
    those funds for future rehabilitation in that area.(c) if so, in what time they have to complete those
    project?
    2. The person who is working in that organization know that organization holding those funds (for
    example five years), is his job is Halal or he is trustworthy. Is he or the organization is breaking the
    trust of the donors, because donor give the donation only for that emergency situation not for the
    project, which can be started after one or more years.
    3. My job is to go out and ask the people to give the money for that organization. I know people not
    abuse that money but I feel that they break the trust without their knowledge. They should use that
    money for the said project as soon as possible.
    My simple question is: Should I can continue my job with said organization or leave that job,
    because I don't feel comfortable to continue my job. Please give me answer as early as possible.
    Jazakum Allah Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Shahid
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    The answers to your questions can't be other than circumstantial. It all depends.... The principle is
    that whatever is asked/collected for a given purpose must be spent for that purpose and the soonest
    possible. If for good reasons and or judgments there is a delay or a broadening of the same
    objective, it is of course permissible as long as it is done in good faith. If you feel things are done
    not in good faith, you must quit and report any mishandling to proper supervising authorities and to
    the public/ donors as much as possible. When you ask for donations and your fund raising efforts
    must be such that you should inform the donors of the percentage of administrative expenses (or
    how much of a dollar reach the objective) and give them a broad objective always because there are
    lots of unforeseeable circumstance in charity works.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -------------------------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working As a Security Officer in a Company Running Gambling


    From: Mohamed through Islam online
    Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 3:46 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I currently work as a security officer as a contractor with one of the biggest gaming and racing
    companies in the world, they run most of the betting and a few casinos, my question is, is it Haram
    for me to work there even if I am just a security officer and I have nothing to do with gambling?,
    my job is to sit in an office and monitor cameras and alarms, and sometimes answering phones at
    the head office building. Jazakum Allah. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Mohamed
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    I can't dare saying it is Haram to help in the security of human being whatever they do and
    wherever they may be. So as a job, this is not Haram as long as the job as describe does not require
    you to do any forbidden act (such as poking, through cameras at obscene actions of strippers in
    casinos). However, this kind of job definitely helps the forbidden behavior and actions by those
    who do it and by those who make business of them. In as much as it helps these behaviors, it has a
    degraded level of consideration.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ---------------------------------------------

    Subject: Billing insurance companies and loan to start a busienss


    From: Rehan
    Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 4:35 AM
    Question
    Asslamualaikum Dr. Kahf,
    I am taking the liberty of writing you directly on a subject that I need some clarity on. I am an
    Indian Muslim and I run a offshore Medical Transcription company (offering a service to doctors in
    the US transcribing their dictation on patients they see/treat/operate on.)
    My first question relates to a business I would like to start. There is an opportunity now to offer
    services apart from transcription to healthcare providers in the USA like clinics and hospitals in the
    form of Medical Billing services. I am sure you are aware of this business however I will explain it
    a little here for the sake of clarity - Since most people are covered under some form of health
    insurance in the US, doctors most often have to collect their reimbursements for services rendered
    from the health insurance companies that cover their patients. The healthcare providers have to
    follow some procedures like filing claims (bills for services performed) with the health insurance
    companies and then have to follow up with these companies until they get paid. Such services can
    be outsourced to companies that do this for a percentage of the collections and they are called
    Medical Billing companies. I am now interested in setting up a offshore Medical Billing business in
    India. My question is – would this a Halal business to do since we would be collecting funds from
    the health insurance companies on behalf of the doctors?
    My second question relates to the funding of this business. I have a partner (Indian Muslim) in the
    USA, and he has suggested that we buy a US Medical Billing company so that we can get a ready
    platform from which to start. He says that the usual way to do such acquisitions is by investing only
    a small part of the purchase price, with the rest being funded by seller financing (where a seller
    agrees to accept a majority of the value of the company in deferred payments over 1-2 years) and
    the rest by bank loans to cover the reminder. The bank loan will obviously carry interest but my
    partner says that is the normal way to do these acquisitions in the USA. Can this loan from the bank
    for the purpose of buying the business be considered Halal? Wassalam,
    Rehan

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Rehan
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    1. Taking fees for your services that you mentioned from funds collected from insurance
    companies for services of health care providers is Halal, no doubt about it. Billing insurance
    companies and collecting funds from them by health care providers amount to accepting the
    Hawalah of patients on these companies. This has nothing to do with the insurance contracts
    between patients and companies at all. It is permissible to accept Hawalah and collect it. And
    obviously your share for your services is also permissible. This is so even according to the
    view that defies insurance! Besides I argue that insurance in permissible with a few conditions
    that are fulfilled in health insurance. This is the view of great scholars lead by the late Shaikh
    Mustafa al Zarka, it is also the opinion of the late Maududi.
    2. Seller financing may be formulated according to Shari'ah but definitely, an interest-based loan
    to acquire a business is not permissible and interest is one of the most grave sins as known in
    Shari'ah.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ----------------------------------------

    Subject: Earnings from Businesses Selling Non-Halal Products and starting a business
    From: Adam through Islam online
    Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2006 8:19 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I would like to ask you 2 questions. 1) Is franchise Halal or not? Knowing that around 70% of the
    money needed to open the FRENCHISE will be borrowed from a bank. 2) If you open a business
    selling products that are not Halal such as cooked non Halal meat, is the money earned Halal or
    Haram? Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Adam,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    1. Borrowing on interest to open a business is not permissible in Shari'ah, it is Haram because
    interest is one of the most grave sins that is prohibited in the Qur'an and Sunnah with strongest
    words.
    2. Franchise business is permissible as you pay for the use of trade name, trade mark and special
    formulae and inputs. And all these are commercial and intellectual properties that are
    recognized in Shari'ah.
    3. The sale of meat from animals whose meat is prohibited in the Qur'an and the Sunnah, such as
    pork is itself Haram. Additionally the price of a Haram item, such as liquor or pork, is also
    Haram as our most beloved Prophet, pbuh, said Surely When God prohibits a thing, He also
    prohibits its price. In other word, in selling such product two sins are committed: the act of
    sale, and the price.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ---------------------------------------------

    Subject: Is It Lawful to Be a US Government Worker?


    From: A Questioner through Islam online
    Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:51 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I am a cat scan technologist. Is it Halal for me to be a US government worker, and work in a
    government hospital were I might have to take care of troops coming back from Iraq or even high
    ranking US government officials?
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. / Sr.
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Helping a patient, a sick or a wounded person is an act of obedience to God, rewarded by Him, if
    you have the proper intention of serving His creatures. This applies even to a soldier of an enemy in
    the battle field. Our Shari'ah believes in reducing human (and animal suffering) regardless of the
    served person. It is therefore Halal to work in a hospital that serves any human being whatever
    his/her relation to Islam, Muslims and other persons may be.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    --------------------------------------------

    Subject: Military Jobs


    From: Tarek through Islam online
    Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 12:34 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    My name is Tarek. I live in the USA. Recently, I have been offered a job position in a well known
    company called Lockheed Martin. This company produces military aircraft, missiles, spacecraft
    equipment, and information technologies among other things. This position is in the manufacturing
    of missiles. The company sells to the US government as well as other countries like Egypt, Saudi
    Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Israel. My question is that while this company sells to
    Muslim and non Muslim governments, would this job be considered Halal or Haram? Please, I
    need to reply to the company by this Friday so I would appreciate a fast response. Thank you and
    Salam Alikum.
    Tarek

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Tarek
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    I am sorry that this question only came to me two days ago! I believe that working in Missile
    production that will be sold in today's world to Muslim or non-Muslim governments is not
    permissible in Shari'ah because in both cases the products are used to oppress people of other
    countries or of the countries of the same government and some times to waste resources that really
    belong to the public not the governments. Unfortunately, military industry today is an industry of
    aggression and it is immoral to participate in aggression, even when one person makes only a very
    little difference!
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ------------------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working in Eradicating Illegal Alcohol


    From: Aamer through Islam online
    Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:42 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I HAVE ALREADY ASKED A QUESTION AND HAVE GOT THE REPLY FROM MUFTI Dr.
    MONZER KAHF.I AM VERY MUCH THANKFUL FOR THAT. I HAVE ASKED THAT MY
    FATHER IS WORKING AS PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUB-INSPECTOR IN A NON-
    ISLAMIC COUNTRY LIKE INDIA.HIS JOB IS TO DESTROY & ERADICATE ILLEGAL
    ALCOHAL.I HAVE ASKEDTHAT CAN HE ASSUME THE SALARY HE IS GETTING IS
    DUE TO THE HARD WORK HE IS DOING TO ERADICATE ILLEGAL ALCOHAL. FOR
    THIS MUFTI Dr. MONZER KAHF HAS REPLIED:
    Dear brother Basha, what your father does, as you stated, is to reduce the evil of alcohol, it is a
    good job and rewardable by God if your father has the right intention (reducing the evil that God
    prohibited). His pay is also Halal, as long as he does his job honestly. It makes no difference
    whether he is in a Muslim majority or minority country.
    I HAVE A QUESTION: AS I STATED THAT OURS IS A NON-ISLAMIC COUNRY(INDIA).
    HERE THE GOVERNMENT GIVES PERMISSION (LICENSE) TO SOME PEOPLE TO KEEP
    WINE SHOPS AND TAKES MONEY FOR THAT.AS I SAID MY FATHER IS WORKING AS
    PROHIBITION AND EXCISE SUB-INSPECTOR AND HIS JOB IS TO ERADICATE ILLEGAL
    ALCOHAL.HIS JOB IS TO GO TO THE VILLAGES AND DESTROY THE ALCOHAL THEY
    ARE PREPARING AND TRANSPORTING.I WANT TO KNOW CAN HE ASSUME THE
    SALARY HE IS GETTING FROM THE GOVERNMENT IS HALAL.CAN HE ASSUME THE
    SALARY HE IS GETTING IS FOR THE HARDWORK HE IS DOING TO ERADICATE
    EVIL(ALCOHAL).CAN HE ASSUME THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
    GIVING PERMISSION TO SOME PEOPLE TO KEEP WINE SHOPS NOR HE AND HIS JOB
    IS ERADICATING EVIL.CAN HE ASSUME HIS SALARY IS HALAL?
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Aamer
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Giving licenses to sell or serve alcohol is Haram, wherever one may be and in whatever position. If
    your father's job is to eliminate and destroy illegal alcohol and keep an eye closed on shops that
    have licenses, his job is permissible and his salary is Halal, as I mentioned in my previous Fatwa; it
    doesn't matter being in India or Saudi Arabia or any other country Muslim or not. What he is doing
    is good and Halal since he is not the one who issues licenses and he is not in control of licensing
    and he is required to eradicate all alcohol in the world!
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -----------------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working for a Hotel Dealing with Alcohol


    From: Faisal through Islam online
    Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2006 7:28 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I am hotel Management Graduate and presently I am working with a five star hotel In London. I am
    working as a Front Office Night supervisor and my duty includes handling the front desk and
    performing the auditing (Accounts work) at the same time my company put me the responsibility of
    Room service which includes handling food and beverage. Some time customer asks for the Drinks
    (alcoholic Drinks) and I always try to avoid touching the alcohol how ever I have never tested the
    alcohol in my life. But some I have to touch the bottle of beer or I have to take to their rooms is it
    alright for me to touch the alcohol.
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Faisal
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    May Allah reward you for your keenness to abide by the rules of Shari'ah. It is excellent that you
    have never tasted the alcohol. It is bad any way as we are informed in the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
    Working in a hotel anywhere in the world is permissible provided one always avoids any thing that
    is prohibited. Our most beloved Prophet, pbuh, had informed us that there are ten functions that
    God prohibited in regard to alcoholic drinks. Serving it is one of these ten functions while touching
    its bottle is not one of them. Therefore, say while passing between shelves if one touches boxes and
    bottles of liquor one does not invoke any prohibition; but carrying it (mentioned by the Prophet,
    pbuh) and serving it (is also mentioned by the Prophet, pbuh) to a person, in a restaurant or in a
    hotel room, are prohibited and you need to avoid these actions too.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    --------------------------------------------

    Subject: Working in an Activity Center for School Children


    From: Sr. Farsha through Islam on line
    Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 8:08 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I am working in an Activity Center for school children. The children come to the center after school
    hours and take part in many activities e.g. sports, swimming, art and craft, carpentry, cookery and
    many more. My work at the center is book keeping, i.e. accounting for all the children’s fees and
    payment of bills. Most of the bills are for the buying of activities materials, e.g. Sports wear,
    threads, wood. Sometimes I see that on some of the bills for food that the other members of staff
    buy pork and sometimes wine and beer for the staff when they hold parties at the center. I am not
    directly involved in buying of the foodstuffs. My work is just to account for the bills. The leader of
    the center does the authorization fo the bills. My question is what is the ruling of doing this king of
    work? Muslim children also come to the center Wasaalam Aleikum, Farsha
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Sr. Farsha
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Your work in bookkeeping is permissible so is your income, you are not part of the buying or
    distributing alcohol or pork and these items are normally incidental in the institution you work for.
    If you work in a pork slaughter house or liquor brewery the matter would be of course different.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -------------------------------------------

    Subject: working to build a church


    From: mohammad
    Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 11:47 AM
    Question
    ‫عزيزي واخي الدكتور منذر السالم عليكم ورحمة ﷲ‬
    ‫مع كل المحبة والتقدير الكثير لك ارجو ان تكون في احسن صحة من ﷲ تعالي‬
    ‫عزيزي اود االستفسار عن مسألة وھي ان لي صديق مھندس يعمل في تصميم المباني وجاءه عرض لعمل تصميم‬
    ‫ والسالم عليكم ورحمة ﷲ‬،‫ھندسي لبناء كنيسة مقابل اجر ما حكم ذلك في االسالم‬
    ........... ‫اخوكم محمد جامعة‬

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Mohammad,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Excuse me for writing in English because I need it to then go on the record in my computer.
    It is not permissible to build a church or contribute to its building financially or materially.
    The reason is that a church is a place in which the oneness of God is tampered with and other than
    God is worshipped, it is created or constructed for that reason only and it normally does not provide
    other functions. This is different from building a meeting hall that is in church premises or a school
    or eating area in the same. These building can give other services and their main use is not to
    negate the oneness of God. Designing a construction is an integral part of building it.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -----------------------------------------------

    Subject: Job in a Food company!


    From: Rashid
    Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 11:25 AM
    Question
    As-Salamu `alaykum
    I have accepted a new job with a company with many subsidiaries dealing in food products in
    Canada. The product line includes Poultry, Bakery and Meat (pork, chicken, beef). My job is in the
    finance department as an analyst dealing with numbers only. I am not involved in physical handling
    of pork products. Is my job and the earning from this company permissible according to Shari’ah?
    Jazak Allah
    Rashid.

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in

    Dear Br. Rashid


    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    As a Muslim you may not sell pork, at the register, although you are selling it on behalf of the
    owner. Handling pork and its products is not as prohibited because there must be no prohibition
    without a text and there is no text that prohibit carrying or transporting it. As for liquor, the
    Prophet, pbuh, mentions that 10 functions are prohibited; they include brewing, transporting,
    carrying selling buying serving even sitting with one who drinks it.
    Working in the financial department of a food store seems permissible because you are not
    involved in any of the functions that are prohibited, but you are a helper and supporter to persons
    who carry out these functions. That makes you touched indirectly but your job itself is not
    prohibited. In finance you need to remember that you must not be a writer or signatory of any
    interest-based relationship
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -----------------------------------

    Subject: Taking Salary for Collecting Donations for a Mosque


    From: Ehab through Islam online
    Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 12:56 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    If a Muslim goes out to collect donations for the Masjid or for Muslims all over the world. He gets
    paid a salary for doing so is it Haram for him to take 20% for himself. The reason im asking you
    this question is because we have a Masjid here in America when it collects donation for another
    Masjid or Kid that came from Palestine and needs surgery they take 20% off the top is that right or
    is it wrong. Thank you
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Ehab
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    When a Masjid charge 20% (or may be more) for the fund raising effort they make using their
    facilities and personnel and for the benefit of the mosque itself, this is permissible provided it is
    made known to donors, so that they know they are donating to the special project and the mosque at
    the same time. An individual person is permitted to have a contractual salary with the association or
    charity that appoint her/him to make fund raising for it, He/she is not permitted to take any
    percentage on the amount collected.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -----------------------------------------------------

    Subject: SETTING a business that requires selling lottery, pork, etc.


    From: zahid
    Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 8:14 PM
    Question
    Dear Sir,
    I’m in Canada. I want to open general convenience store. Lotto, scratch
    Cards (lottery) are a must in such businesses. Can a Muslim open such business.
    If I get franchise like Tim Horten, Macdonald etc, selling of pork is a must as stated by franchise.
    can a Muslim open such business. Thanks.
    zahid

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Zahid
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    The answer is NO. Muslims must not own, sell or buy pork, lottery facility or any other Haram
    items. Besides, there are many chain fast food (franchise system) that are owned by Muslims and
    they do not have pork or lottery. It seems that you are incorrect in considering it a must in such
    franchises. BUT IF IT IS A MUST, YOU MUST NOT TAKE THIS BUSINESS, period! God,
    Ta'ala, promised to get you a solution if you are keen to obey Him; read please Verses 2 and 3 of
    Surah 65.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf

    From: zahid
    Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2006 7:21 AM
    Question
    Dear Sir, Thanks for ur instant reply. Inshallah I will abide by the Allah saying.
    Any franchise which sells chicken, turkey etc but not slaughtered in Islamic way, is permissible
    business for Muslims. May Allah bless u for putting us wise. Thanks.
    zahid
    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Zahid,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    May Allah give you the blessing and Rizq that he promised for obeying Him. Selling any Haram is
    not permissible including eatable meat that is not slaughtered in accordance with Shari'ah because it
    is considered dead meat. BUT THERE IS A BIG BUT. If the laws in Canada are similar to the US
    and Europe, chicken, beef and lamb are not in violation of Shari'ah in regard to the method of
    slaughtering. They are in violation according to one view but not according to another. One cannot
    generalize in controversial matters. My view is that meat slaughtered according to laws in these
    countries is permissible to eat because it fulfills the requirement of the meat of the people of the
    book and it is therefore Halal to eat. This is the view of Shafi'I and Hanbali schools too. In one
    word, it is permissible to use sell these kind of meat.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ----------------------------------

    Works and transactions in Real Estates


    Subject: Can Muslims Become Real Estate Agents?
    From: Kujtim through Islam online
    Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 12:35 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    Can Muslims become real estate agents?
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Kujtim
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    Yes, certainly. There is no reason why a Muslim can't become a real estate agent because
    facilitating sale/purchase of real estate is a good thing to do and it is Halal, so is the commission
    she/he makes in this business. A real estate agent does not write normally any finance application
    for customers because writing it may fall into the Haram area. The Prophet, pbuh, said that the
    wrath of God is on the writer of a Riba contract in addition to the take and giver of Riba.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ---------------------------------------------------

    Subject: Assigning a purchased Real Estate to another buyer


    From: Zaid
    Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2005 12:44 PM
    Question
    Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah Dr. Monzer,
    This is zaid from hawthorne masjid. I attended your 2-week class on Islamic financial issues. I am
    learning about real estate investing and I came across a method called "Wholesaling". I wanted to
    know if this type of transaction of allowed in Islam.
    Here is a basic example.
    1. You find a seller who will sell his house to you for $100,000. Full market value is $150,000 but
    he is in distress or has a dire need to get rid of it.
    2. You put the house under a sales contract and give him $2000 earnest money deposit. You must
    close in 30 days or he keeps your $2000 and you get nothing
    3. You call up your list of buyers and find someone who will buy it from you for $110,000 4. you
    do a double closing at escrow with buyer and seller and collect the $10,000 difference
    question #1: is this allowed?
    question #2: what aspects of it make it not allowed?
    question #3: if this is not allowed, do you know of any real estate investment methods that are?
    If you need more details let me know. I can send you the forms and contracts involved
    jazakAllahu khair
    zaid

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Zaid
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    This method is permissible in Shari'ah. It is a full sale and buy, a trade in the full sense. The first
    contract is called 'Urbun sale (it features the condition: if you don't come up with the rest of the
    money you loose the down payment as a penalty for wasting my time and holding the house for you
    during this period). Merging the two sales together is also permissible.
    Besides, there are other forms of investments in real estates most of them are permissible, buy on
    description (maps and plans) and sale after delivery, land developing with sleeping partners, etc.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf

    From: Zaid
    Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 6:22 PM
    Question
    Assalamu alaikum whats your address?
    This is zaid from ……………….. masjid again. Thank you for replying to my question. I forgot
    that there is another option in wholesaling. You can "assign" the actual contract to another buyer
    for a fee, handing over your right to buy at the contract price to that person. There are no two
    closings at escrow. Basically selling your right to buy to someone else is it's own contract that
    stipulates how much the new buyer is paying you. You are out of the transaction after that. There's
    only one closing between seller and "new" buyer. Is this allowed? jazakAllahu khair
    zaid

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. zaid
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    I got the point now. You can sell a real estate before actual possession provided you have a
    purchase contract (that makes you the owner) and delivery is actually possible because in this sale
    the Gharar (great uncertainty with un-knowability) about the existence of the property and ability to
    deliver This means that a sale contract can be assigned before closing (possession).
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin Wassalam Sincerely, Dr.
    Monzer Kahf
    ------------------------------------

    Subject: Working in Real Estate, referral commissions


    From: Sharief
    Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 4:08 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer Kahf, Assalamu Alaikum
    I hope all is well with you and your family. I hope you have a few minute to answer three
    questions that are very important to me.
    I work part-time as a software-engineer. Over the past two years, I have developed interest in Real
    Estate. I studied for my real estate license and received my license to practice real estate. My first
    question is if it is Haram to be a Realtor or practice real estate because the majority of buyers apply
    for loans and the majority of sellers look at the offer from a “qualified buyer” perspective. The
    loans are pretty much integral to most real estate transactions.
    My second question is about earned income from real estate referral. If I am allowed to be a
    Realtor and practice real estate, then furthermore, am I allowed to earn income from referrals? I
    affiliated with broker called Keller Williams and in that company, if you refer a person to Keller
    Williams and he/she joins, you earn income off his/her transactions for as long as they stay with the
    company. And they are also allowed to refer others down 7-levels from which you earn income as
    well. Because the high probability these referred agents (since they are not Muslim) will use or
    involve in loans in their transactions, will my earned income be Halal?
    Lastly, my 3rd question has to do with a Muslim brother who brought me to real estate. When I
    bought real estate investment properties with him two years back, we agreed he would save me on
    commission if he sells the properties for me too. I am currently selling these properties but the
    problem is when he sold one of those properties for me 1 year ago, he did not think in my best
    interest and almost forced me to settlement. This ended up costing me over $100,000 loss. In
    retrospect, I feel he did not do his job as a Realtor – he just wanted the sale to earn his commission.
    Because of this, I feel I should not pay this person who cheated me any of the other commission
    when I sell my properties these years. But I fear Allah swt much more so I need to know if I will
    be punished for this because he is due this commission based on our agreement even though I was
    badly hurt by this loss.
    Jazak Allah Khair and I am sorry for the long email. Wa’alaikum Asalam,
    Sharief

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. Sharief,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    1. Real estate business brings together a seller and a buyer. It has nothing to do of how they get or
    got finance. Therefore, as long as you do not fill in a Riba-based loan application real estates
    business is permissible and the commission you make is Halal InShaAllah.
    2. Referral commissions are permissible provided the idea, procedure and percentage are
    disclosed to the "new comer"
    3. You can't claim "being forced". You made the sale on your own will as a result of your friend's
    persuasion! Didn't you? You are responsible for your action and this is not an excuse to take a
    one side action on another agreement. Personally, I think you should have a frank discussion
    with your partner and re-negotiate the agreement between yourselves for any future
    transaction.
    Wa Allahu A'lam.
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ----------------------------------

    Subject: Working is real estates


    From: Zaid
    Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 10:32 AM
    Question
    wa alaykum assalam warahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, Good morning dr kahf.
    I just noticed that you replied again after we met at your house early this year. I wanted to review
    your answers.
    So Assignment of Contract AND Double Closings are both permissible? When we met you said
    assignment might not be allowed. ok that helps me a lot.
    Thank you for your help. And if there any more information you have regarding the permissibility
    or real estate investing strategies please let me know. I really appreciate you teaching me about this
    matter
    zaid
    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br Zaid,
    Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
    What do you mean by double closing? I understand that assigning a contract replaces double
    closing? Yes, assigning is permissible once the real estate exists (after completion of construction if
    not already built).
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin Wassalam Sincerely, Dr. Monzer
    Kahf

    From: Zaid
    Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 10:29 AM
    Question
    Double closing:
    1. You have a property under contract to buy for $100,000
    2. You find a buyer who'll buy from you for $120,000
    3. Seller, you, and buyer, are all present at escrow
    4. Escrow uses buyer's $120,000 to fulfill your sales contract with the seller and pay off property
    for you
    5. Escrow cuts you a check for the difference = $20,000

    My Answer
    Dear Br Zaid,
    Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
    This is a way of assigning the contract, it is permissible.
    Wassalam,
    Monzer Kahf
    ------------------------------------

    Going for Hajj with doubtful or Haram Income

    Subject: Using Haram Income to Go on Hajj and `Umrah


    From: A Questioner through Islam online
    Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2006 2:41 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    My father earns an entirely Haram income. I have no other means of financial support except
    through this income to pay for: university tuition fees(to keep fom taking a loan), Islamic courses,
    food, clothing, and other expenses. Can I use the money my father gives me to go on hajj/umrah?
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help
    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br. / Sr.
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    First it seems that you are not a minor child, you are adult that you ask about Hajj and Umrah. If
    the income of your father is entirely Haram (e.g., he is a professional thief or drug smuggler or a
    male prostitute) as an adult male or female you are required to work and earn on your own and you
    can't take any of your father's money for living expense, you cannot live on such income that really
    is not owned by your father according to Shari'ah, let alone paying for education and hajj! But if
    your father's income is from working in a bank, the story is different. Determining that it is Haram
    needs to be re-investigated and studied!
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ----------------------------------------

    Work in Violation of Civil Governmental Regulations

    Subject: Working Evenings to Make Extra Money in Saudi Arabia


    From: A Questioner through Islam online
    Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2006 8:48 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    This letter is confidential. I work in Saudi Arabia teaching in the University in the dental
    profession. When we enter Saudi Arabia and start work the people we work for take our passports
    and give us "iquama" in place of the passport. During the period we are working with the
    University we are given information that we should not work outside the University in any private
    work as we are not allowed. Being a female dentist I have been approached a couple of times to
    work in private practice because females would like a female to treat their teeth instead of males.
    Every time so far I declined. I know there are a lot of dentists that work in the University that also
    work in private practice and the University turns a blind eye. In one case I heard a dentist was
    warned not to do this anymore but there are so many others that never are approached. In the same
    time I know of one dental surgeon that the University wanted to get rid of and they used his private
    work as one of the reasons that they ended his contract. My question is as I have a need to make
    more money because of my family commitments I have had a strong urge to work outside of work
    hours privately but the only thing that is holding me back is I am scared that this would be
    considered Haram money and therefore not blessed by Allah Subhanuh and I am scared that I
    therefore would be committing a sin. I don't want to leave my job but I would like once a week to
    work an evening to make some extra cash that I feel I need. Please advice me if it would be
    Halal money I would be making or not. jazak Allah kul khair.
    Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help
    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Sister,
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    This and similar government regulations are PURE CIVIL MATTERS. Governments have the right
    to enact them and individuals have rights to obey or violate them. Such regulations are usually
    supported by penalties such as fines, jail terms, cancellation of contracts, etc. Governments have
    also the right to impose such penalties for these violations. The obedience of governments becomes
    religiously required in two cases: case of avoidance of shame and case of endangering public
    security or other people's persons or properties. Accordingly, it is, religiously, permissible to work
    extra hours in your private time and your income is Halal InShaAllah, but you know that you are
    taking the risk of whatever penalties the regulations impose.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    -------------------------------------------

    Business Ethics

    Subject: Ethics of Business Conduct


    From: A Questioner through Islam on line
    Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2006 4:35 AM
    Question
    Dear Dr. Monzer, Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
    I have three questions: 1) I work at a printing-service business, and my boss told me that if a client
    uses a machine and sucks up his/her money by accident AND if the client doesn't ask for
    compensation, remain silent?! From my boss's business perspective, this would save him/her $, but
    what about the ethics of business conduct? shouldn't we as workers volunteers to offer
    compensation to the client even if he/she doesn't say it? I feel we're ripping off the client in this
    situation. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your constant help

    My Answer
    Bismi Allah al Rahman al Rahim
    Al Hamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    wa al Salatu wa al Salamu 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa 'Ala 'Alihi wa Ashabihi Ajma'in
    Dear Br.
    Al Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
    I really did not understand the question. Let me make an assumption and answer it and if I am
    incorrect please resend the question with an example.
    If this is a currency operated machine and the machines sucks the currency without opening up for
    the service. In this case both the Shari'ah and all civil laws give the right to the person, who put the
    money in the machine, to recover the money from the owner/operator of the machine. Telling the
    customer his right must be posted on the machine by law and by Shari'ah, otherwise it is a rip off.
    Hence if the employer tells you don't give the customer that money, he has no right to do that and
    the best thing is to quit that job and report this action to police and business practices bureaus that
    usually exist in all countries. It is of course up to the owner of the money, the customer, to pursue
    his right and that is not your business (although informing him may be your responsibility if it is
    not posted at the machine because you stand by the machine and represent the owner). On the other
    hand, if this info, of how to recover money that is sucked by the machine without giving the
    service, is posted at the machine in a clear way it is not then you job to ask the customer and lead
    him to recover, that is the customer's job and he/she is the only one who defends his right not you
    as long as he is informed of it.
    If the issue is giving you the money to use the machine and the machine does not give the service,
    that is another matter, please explain.
    Wa Allahu A'lam
    Wa Alhamdu li Allah Rabb al 'Alamin
    Wassalam
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Monzer Kahf
    ----------------------------------------------

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