Earning one''s living by working

Q: Your Eminence, I have two dear people; one of them works in a shop that sells song cassette tapes while the other works in a shop that sells videotapes. I advised them to abandon their work. I told them that their work and the money they gain from it are unlawful and that their work involves cooperation in committing sins and transgression and disobedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). They say that if their work is unlawful, the state would prohibit it. They add that if they leave it, they may not find another job. We hope that your Eminence will advise them and all those who have the same view with regards to such works which cause the spread of corruption and vice among Muslims and all this is against our great religion.

A: It is not permissible to work in recording materials that contain (Part No. 14; Page No. 454) songs, music or indecent pictures on cassette and video tapes. It is unlawful to gain money from this. A Muslim should be keen on doing things that benefit him in this world and in the Hereafter, that draw him closer to Allah and His Paradise and that saves him from His Wrath and Hell-fire. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.