Fatwa ID: 04085

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

Is it permissible to claim benefits?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

Answer

If one is in need and is entitled to it, then it is permissible to claim for benefits like income support and working tax credits.

However, one is not allowed to claim for these benefits falsely when he or she is not entitled to it. This will fall under deception which is strictly forbidden in Islam. The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said; “Whoever bears arms against us is not one of us and whoever cheats us is not one of us.” (Sahih Muslim p.70 v.1)

Once the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam passed by a pile of food in the market. He put his hand inside it and felt dampness although the surface was dry. He Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said; “O owner of the food, what is this?” The Man side; “It was damaged by rain, O Prophet of Allah.” He said; “Why didn’t you put the rain-damaged food on top so that people could see it! Whoever cheats us is not one of us.” (Sahih Muslim p.70 v.1)

Furthermore, it is also against the law of the country and to obey the law of the country is necessary upon every Muslim. This according to the Shariah is considered as trust and to break it is unlawful.

Allah (SWA) in the Holy Quran has said:

“And fulfil (every) engagement, for engagement will be enquired into (on the Day of Judgement).” (Surah Bani Israeel v.34)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said: “The signs of a hypocrite are three: When he speaks he lies when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is given a trust he breaches it.”  (Sahih Bukhari p.10 v.1)

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham