Can One Receive Payment from Non-Muslims?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
What is the ruling of dealing with and receiving remuneration from people of Jewish faith from Israel? The work has nothing to do with Israel.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
In terms of law, the transaction would be permissible. However, it is considered recommended to avoid any indirect relationship with oppression. It is best to avoid this, if possible, especially considering ongoing world events and in support of the oppressed people of this world. Allah knows best.
Fair Trade
In Islam, engaging in transactions or business dealings with people of different faiths is generally permissible if the transactions are lawful and ethical. Islam encourages fair and just dealings with all individuals, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. The Quran mentions, “And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” [Quran, 5:8]
Islamic and Political Consideration
As the work you are doing has no connection to Israel and is permissible in nature, there should be no inherent prohibition in receiving commission from an individual who happens to be Jewish and residing in Israel. The determining factors should be the work’s nature, the income’s legitimacy, and adherence to Islamic ethical principles in the transaction. Still, political considerations are necessary (when they are aligned with Islamic values) when deciding whom to do business with, and Allah knows best.
However, ensuring that the income earned is from a lawful and ethical source is essential. If there are concerns about the source of the commission, for instance, if the funds are derived from unlawful or exploitative activities, then it would be advisable to avoid engaging in such potentially unlawful transactions.
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.
