Is it permissible to work in cinemas?
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Having a job where ones income is 100% lawful is a very important part in ones life. Being a true and practicing Muslim is not restricted to praying and fasting, however it is a complete way of life and one cannot be termed as a practicing Muslim if he is earning through unlawful means.
Saiduna Abu Hurayah (RA) narrates that the Prophet of Allah (SAW) said: “Allah is pure and accepts only that which is pure. Allah has commanded the faithful to do that which he commanded the messengers.” And Allah (SAW) has said: “o you who believe! Eat of the pure things and do right.” Allah (SAW) has said: “oh you who believe! Eat of the pure things we have provided you.” Then the Prophet of Allah (SAW) mentioned a man who journeyed far and dishelved and dusty and spends out oh his hand to the Heavens: “O lord! O Lord! While his food is unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can his dua be answered!” (Sahih Muslim)
From this Hadith we can understand that unlawful income does have an effect on ones worship and acceptance of ones duas.
Working in a cinema might result in one of the two following scenarios. Either you have a direct contact and link with showing films and movies, then this type of work is deemed impermissible. The reason behind this is that the majority of such films are immoral and against the teachings of Islam. Thus, one would not be allowed to work and the income gained will be unlawful.
The second possible scenario is that you have no direct link or contact with the films, but work for example behind the counter selling tickets or pop corn. In this situation even though you do not have direct contact with the films but the income gained will be unlawful as it will consist of monies from showing films.
It is necessary for the permissibility of the job that the nature of the job must be lawful and the income one receives upon the work must also be from a lawful source.
Bearing what has been mentioned above it will not be permissible to work in a cinema. The income gained is impure and should be given to charity without the intention of reward. (Raddul Muhtar p553 V.9)
Only Allah Knows Best.
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.
