Can Muslims Open a Gas Station If Alcohol Sales Are Required?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

As low-income American Muslims looking to open a gas station, how can we proceed if selling alcohol is required and franchises are not an option? Is it permissible to sell alcohol to non-Muslims and donate the earnings, especially if we plan to switch to a halal business once financially able?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and for exploring an income option while striving to stay within Sharia guidelines and ethics.

It will not be permissible to open a gas station where you are required to sell alcohol, despite your intentions to donate the earnings.

‘Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) says: “When the last Verses of Surat al-Baqara were revealed, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) stood up and recited them before us and then prohibited the trade of alcohol.” [Bukhari]

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said:

“Verily He Who has forbidden its (i.e., alcohol & wine) drinking has forbidden its sale also.” [Muslim (reported by ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Abbas, Allah be pleased with him)]

The above and other such narrations from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) quite categorically indicate that trading in alcohol, selling it, serving it to others, and being associated with it in any way is, without doubt, unlawful and incurs the curse of Allah Most High. The income gained through selling and serving alcohol will also be considered unlawful.

Powerful Dua for Sustenance

Keep your tongue moist with the following dua. Abu Wa’il: A man came to ‘Ali (Allah be pleased with him) and said, “O Commander of the Faithful, I am unable to repay my debt, so help me.” ‘Ali (Allah be pleased with him) responded:

“Shall I not teach you some words that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught me? Even if you had a debt as heavy as a mountain, Allah would repay it on your behalf. Say:

اللَّهمَّ اكْفِني بٍحلالِكَ عَن حَرَامِكَ، وَاغْنِني بِفَضلِكَ عَمَّن سِوَاكَ

‘O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful provisions over the unlawful, and enrich me by Your grace over all besides You.’” [Tabarani, al-Du‘a]

I pray Allah Most High grants you a means of halal provision full of blessings with ease and success. Amin.

I would like you to read through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.

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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.