Is Bypassing a Ban and Earning Through the Account Permissible?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

Is bypassing a platform ban in violation of its terms sinful, and does earning income through a new account for otherwise permissible services become impermissible?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

You have raised two issues, and each needs its own answer.

The Breach of Agreement

If you bypass a platform ban, you are going against the terms you agreed to when you joined. These terms are a binding agreement, and breaking them is considered sinful.

Allah Most High commands: “O you who believe, fulfill your contracts.” [Quran, 5:1]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Muslims are bound by their conditions.” [Abu Dawud]

If someone creates a new account to circumvent the ban, the violation persists. The sin remains for as long as this continues.

The Ruling on Income

The issue of income is a different question.

According to the Hanafi school, if the work itself is lawful and has been performed, the sinfulness of the means of access does not make the income itself impermissible. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

If you are offering services that are permitted, your work is lawful, and the money you earn from them is halal.

Two Rulings and the Way Forward

Breaking the agreement is sinful, but the income from lawful work is still allowed.

However, knowing the ruling does not mean you should keep breaking the agreement. The sin continues as long as the violation does.

You should repent and try to fix the situation. If you can, ask to be reinstated properly, or consider using a different platform.

Wanting to do the right thing after learning the ruling shows your faith. The sincerity that made you ask will, with Allah’s help, guide you ahead.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.