Suspected Unlawful Earnings and Gifts

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: I have some doubts regarding a family member’s income. This family member monthly government aid. The problem is this family member has huge cash savings. Sometimes this family member often buys food for us, and we use things that she has given us/gifted us. Is the income haram? If so, what should I do with all the food bought for us?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.

You can assume that the food she gives you has been purchased from the halal portion of her wealth.

If she is accepting such money from the authorities by way of deception/cheating, it would be considered unlawful (haram), and would not be permitted to benefit thereof.

However, unless you know without doubt that she is accepting money from the government unlawfully, you should assume only the best of her. You are not expected to investigate into her business. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “From the excellence of a person’s religion is leaving that which does not concern him.” [Tirmidhi]

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani

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