Fatwa ID: 01366

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

"I would like to know if it is permissible to work as aircraft maintainer in an Arab Airline company as, for example, the Emirates Airlines, since they serve alcohol on board: on their website page there is even a wine list with the only exception for flights heading to Saudi Arabia..

Shukran wa jazakAllah khayran".

Answer:

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

In the Holy Qur’an Allah has said:

“O people eat of what is in the earth permissible and good.” (Surah Baqarah v.168)

Sahl Ibn Abdullah has said salvation depends on three things eating halal, fulfilling obligations and following the Sunnah of the Prophet . (Maariful Qur’an p.419 v.1)

Allah has ordered us to eat from the things which are halal and good for us hence the income we earn should be lawful in order for our sustenance to be lawful.

Furthermore, the Prophet of Allah has cursed 10 things connected with alcohol and one of them is the seller. (Sunan Ibn Majah p.242 v.2)

With regards to your question, it will be permissible to work as an aircraft maintainer as the maintainer is not responsible for the serving of alcohol. However, it will not be permissible for a Muslim to work as a hostess in this situation (i.e. serving alcohol) as one will be assisting people in sin and transgression.

Allah in the Holy Qur’an says:

"And assist one another in acts of righteousness and piety and do not assist one another in act of transgression and sin.” (Surah Maaidah v.2)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.