Is It Permissible to Sell to or Work with Restaurants That Serve Non-Halal Food?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
What is the Islamic ruling on selling products or services to restaurants that serve non-halal food, and is it permissible to work for—or own stock in—companies that supply them?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.
I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah.
It is permissible to sell permissible products or services to restaurants that also serve non-halal items.
It is also permissible to work for or own stock in a company that provides software or general services to such restaurants, as long as one is not directly assisting in the sale or production of the unlawful items.
This reflects the position of the Hanafi school, which considers it “assisting in sin” only when there is a direct relationship between one’s work or services and the sin that arises. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar; Ibn al-Humam/Marghinani, Fath al-Qadir Sharh al-Hidaya]
Investment in companies with some unlawful revenue is permissible only if AAOIFI’s four conditions are met. See below.
Assistance in Sin: Direct and Indirect
Allah Most High commands:
“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Quran 5:2)
The Hanafi scholar explains that mere association without direct action does not constitute sin. [Jassas, Tafsir Ahkam al-Quran]
See:
- Is It Permissible to Accept Payments If Part of the Money May Be from Riba?
- How to Distinguish When Something Is Indirect or Direct Assistance in Sin?
- Assistance in Sin Archives
Selling Goods or Services to Restaurants
Selling general products or services to restaurants—even those serving non-halal food—is permissible because the seller is not directly enabling the haram item itself.
This is the practical application of the Hanafi distinction between direct causal assistance (prohibited) and indirect, non-causal association(permissible). [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar; Ibn al-Humam/Marghinani, Fath al-Qadir Sharh al-Hidaya]
This is particularly applicable in non-Muslim lands, where such interlinked commerce is unavoidable.
Working for Companies Serving Restaurants
If one’s own work is halal, the income is halal; incidental haram beyond one’s direct control does not affect permissibility. Avoiding such work is praiseworthy caution but not required.
Owning Stock in Such Companies
Leading contemporary scholars explain that owning shares in companies with minor incidental unlawful revenue is permissible only if all four AAOIFI conditions are met:
- One. The company’s stated purpose does not include haram activities.
- Two. Interest-based loans are less than 30% of market capitalization.
- Three. Interest-bearing deposits are less than 30% of market capitalization.
- Four. Haram income does not exceed 5% of total revenue.
These conditions reflect the principle:
“A widespread public need (al-haja al-‘amma) is treated like a necessity.” [Majalla]
Where these conditions are met, investment is permissible; otherwise, it should be avoided.
And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
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,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and 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.
