Ruling on Working in a Company That Sells Prohibited Items
Is it permissible to work in a company that sells some lawful (ḥalāl) products, but also sells supplements containing interest-based (ribā) ingredients or CBD (cannabis-derived components)? Other products such as magnesium, calcium, and vitamins are generally considered ḥalāl.
This matter becomes particularly complex in countries where non-Muslims are in the majority (Bilād al-Kufr).
◈ If the entire business of a company revolves around prohibited items (e.g., pork meat, alcohol, or interest-based transactions), then it is not permissible to work in such a place.
◈ If the majority of the business is based on ḥalāl items, and only a limited portion involves prohibited elements, then working there may be allowed, provided that you are not directly involved in the sale or production of the prohibited items.
◈ According to jurisprudential principles, if your work does not directly involve the production, purchase, sale, or delivery of ḥarām items, then due to necessity (ḍarūrah), working there may be considered.
✿ If most of the company’s products are ḥalāl, and your job only involves handling lawful products, then there is room for permissibility.
✿ However, if you are required to directly participate in the sale of ḥarām items, then working in such a company would not be permissible.
✿ Wherever possible, it is better to seek alternative employment to avoid any involvement in doubtful or prohibited support.
❖ Question
Is it permissible to work in a company that sells some lawful (ḥalāl) products, but also sells supplements containing interest-based (ribā) ingredients or CBD (cannabis-derived components)? Other products such as magnesium, calcium, and vitamins are generally considered ḥalāl.
❖ Answer by Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir (حفظه الله)
This matter becomes particularly complex in countries where non-Muslims are in the majority (Bilād al-Kufr).
✿ Jurisprudential Principles (فقہی اصول)
① Complete Avoidance of Prohibited and Doubtful Items Is Necessary
◈ If the entire business of a company revolves around prohibited items (e.g., pork meat, alcohol, or interest-based transactions), then it is not permissible to work in such a place.
② Leniency in the Case of Mixed Business
◈ If the majority of the business is based on ḥalāl items, and only a limited portion involves prohibited elements, then working there may be allowed, provided that you are not directly involved in the sale or production of the prohibited items.
③ No Assistance in Ḥarām Matters
◈ According to jurisprudential principles, if your work does not directly involve the production, purchase, sale, or delivery of ḥarām items, then due to necessity (ḍarūrah), working there may be considered.
✔ Practical Decision
✿ If most of the company’s products are ḥalāl, and your job only involves handling lawful products, then there is room for permissibility.
✿ However, if you are required to directly participate in the sale of ḥarām items, then working in such a company would not be permissible.
✿ Wherever possible, it is better to seek alternative employment to avoid any involvement in doubtful or prohibited support.
