Is It Permissible to Work as a Software Engineer for a Mainstream Tech or Media Company?

Question

I’d like to work as a software engineer. And working in companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple is the dream of every software engineer. Is working for these companies lawful, and are the salaries lawful?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

Allah says: “O believers! Eat from the good things We have provided for you. And give thanks to Allah if you (truly) worship Him (alone).” [Quran, 2:172]

Working as a software engineer in companies such as Google, Facebook, and Apple is not inherently unlawful from an Islamic perspective. However, it is vital to ensure that the work itself is lawful, meaning that it does not involve any prohibited elements such as usury, gambling, or any other unlawful practices. It is also essential to consider the ethical implications of the work and ensure that it does not conflict with one’s Islamic values.

The salaries earned from such work are considered lawful if the work itself is lawful and earned through legitimate means. It is important to note, however, that the pursuit of wealth and material success should not be the primary goal for a Muslim, and one should always strive to prioritize their faith and spiritual well-being above all else.

Finally, it is essential to remember that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer, and all blessings come from Him. Therefore, we should always seek His guidance and blessings in all our pursuits and strive to use our skills and talents to improve society and benefit all of Allah’s creation.

Related:
Can I Work for a Website Design Company That Develops Websites for Impermissible Businesses?
Can I Work for a Company That Engages in Illegal Activity?
Can I Work at Companies with Some Haram Items?

And Allah knows best.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.