Am I Sinful for Having to Test Alarm Systems That Use Musical Sounds?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

As an aspiring aircraft maintenance mechanic, I may need to test alarm systems that use musical sounds for warnings. Would working on these systems affect the permissibility of my income or make me sinful?

Answer

In the name of Allah (Most High), and with blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace),

Testing alarm systems with musical sounds for safety purposes is permissible. The sounds serve as functional alerts, not for entertainment, and your intention is to ensure safety, which aligns with Islamic principles. Therefore, your income from this work is lawful, and no sin is involved.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Actions are judged by intentions” [Bukhari and Muslim]. Your work in maintaining safety fulfills an important responsibility without compromising Islamic values.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.