Fatwa ID: 07230
Answered by: Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Question:
I’m American but living abroad. I met another American who knew an African American Muslim who was interested in promoting entrepreneurship for African Americans. I told him I was interested. He rejected it because I’m not African American. Is this permissible to reject business or doing business or helping other Muslims purely based on race?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
From an Islamic perspective, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of brotherhood and equality among Muslims. In his Farewell Sermon, he stated, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
This teaching highlights that in Islam, race should not be a criterion for discrimination. The Quran also reinforces this concept in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13): “O mankind, indeed We have created you from a male and female and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is all Knowing and all Acquainted.”
Therefore, it is clear that Islam promotes unity, equality, and cooperation among all Muslims, regardless of race. Rejecting business or assistance purely based on race, it contradicts the principles of Islamic brotherhood and equality. All Muslims are encouraged to support each other and work together for the betterment of the community.
With regards to business, the only place that business would not be accepted would be if the owner/ business dealer thought the business would lead to any unjust dealings which is the basis of the Quranic verse in Surah Nisa: 29 “O believers do not devour another’s 1wealth illegally unjustly, but trade by mutual consent…..” Therefore it would not be permitted to refuse any business opportunity based on race.
1 Iqtisadi Islami- page 10- chapter الأصل في الموال التحريم
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
