Can I Work as a Chauffeur/Driver for a Singer Who Will Pay My Wage?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I am going through a very tough phase. I really need a job, and now I have a job offer from a singer; she needs a driver, so if I work for her my salary would be halal or haram?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health.
Your job of taking the singer from point A to B – driving her to work – in itself is permissible. However, as you know that she is a singer and most likely her sole income is from the source of singing, it will make your earnings somewhat disliked.
Allah Most High commanded us not to assist others in sin and vice.
Hanafi School
In the Hanafi school, this has levels:
- It is haram to do that which is a direct cause for sin;
- It is disliked doing that which is an indirect cause for sin;
- It is better to avoid that which could be a cause for sin.
The distinctions are subtle, however, and one should consult with scholars regarding particular cases. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The lawful is clear, and the unlawful is clear. Between them are unclear matters that most do not know about.” (Bukhari; Muslim) [Ibn ’Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar; Zaylai, Tabyin al-Haqaiq]
Caution
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt.” [Tirmidhi]
The distinctions are subtle, however, and one should consult with scholars regarding particular cases. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The lawful is clear, and the unlawful is clear. Between them are unclear matters that most do not know about.” [Bukhari; Muslim]
If you can wait for a little while more, then do so. Otherwise, you may be allowed until you find a suitable job.
Related:
Provision and Work: A Reader
What Are the Principles of Work and Assisting in Sin? [Video]
Is It Considered Assisting in Sin to Develop Software for Casinos, Banks, or Insurance Companies?
Working for a Company Providing IT Solutions in Un-Islamic Markets
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May Allah (Most High) give you halal sustenance with ease and free from any trials or tests, amin.
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
