Fatwa ID: 04795

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

What to do with the clothes and food brought whilst working in an insurance company 

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

Answer

Having a job where the nature of the job and also where the income is 100% lawful is a very important part of one’s 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. Therefore, it is not permissible for a Muslim to work for any insurance company, as one will be assisting another to commit sins.  

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 disheveled 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 one’s worship and acceptance of one’s duas.

Saaiduna Abu Bakr Radiallahu Anhu narrated that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said “That body will not enter Paradise which has been nourished with Haram” (Sunan Baihaqi) 

Saaiduna Ka`b Bin Ujrah narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said, “A body nourished with Haram will not enter Jannah”. (Sunan Tirmizi) 

Saaiduna Jabir Bin Abdullah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said, “That flesh will not enter Paradise which has grown from Haram, and all that flesh which has grown from Haram, the fire (of hell) is more worthy of it.” (Musnad Ahmad, Sunan Darimi & Sunan Baihaqi)

With regards to your question, scholars have said that it is not necessary to dispense with your clothes and household items, which may have been brought with unlawful earnings. You should do tawbah and repent from what you have done. Insha Allah, Allah (SWA) being the Most Merciful and All-Forgiving, will forgive your previous actions.  

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham