Do We have To Do Business With Muslims Over Non-Muslims?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

I heard it is haram to do business with non-muslims over Muslims, for example, going to a non-muslim physician over a Muslim physician, hiring a non-muslim over a Muslim for a job, being a customer to a non-muslim-owned store over a Muslim owned store, etc. Is this true?

Answer

I pray you are well.

No, this isn’t correct. It is permissible to do business with Muslims or non-Muslims without any obligations to prefer Muslims. As long as both parties are happy with the transaction, it is permissible, irrespective of their religion. (Maydani, Lubab)

Scholars have highlighted that it would be impermissible to sell products that could be weaponized and used to harm Muslims. (Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar) Some scholars would also add the trade with people who use their profits to harm Muslims or to support those who harm them. It’s best to consider things from an ethical perspective here.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh]Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.