Is Running a Marketing Agency Permissible If Campaigns Include Music or Beautified Display?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
Is it permitted to run a marketing agency that connects brands with social media influencers, when some of the content may include women displaying beautified appearances, makeup, fashion, or music?
Is it permissible to earn a commission from arranging such collaborations?
Answer
Brokerage, in itself, is permitted in our religion. However, it is not permitted to connect brands to influencers whose content includes music, immodest display, or other impermissible elements. The commission earned from such collaborations is not lawful income.
“Aid one another in devotion to your Lord in every good and godfearingness, and do not aid one another in sin and transgression.”
[Quran 5:2; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
The Hanafi principle regarding brokerage is clear: the broker earns a lawful commission only for arranging a lawful transaction.
If the transaction itself involves the impermissible, such as influencer marketing that includes unlawful content as part of its core, then the brokerage shares in that.
Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) explained that the commission from an impermissible transaction is itself not permitted to consume. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar; Fatawa Alamgiriyya]
The Path to the Lawful is Clear and Open
The path to a halal agency is clear and open. Carefully screen the influencers you represent, and limit your roster to those whose content upholds sound values and is in accordance with what is permitted.
Decline any brand briefs that include clearly impermissible elements. The market for Sharia-compliant influencer marketing is growing, and you can build a meaningful business upon it.
Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Almighty but that Allah will replace it with something better for you.” [Ahmad, others; rigorously authentic (sahih)]
What About Non-Compliant Income?
If you currently earn from non-compliant collaborations, separate the income from now. Donate the impermissible portion to charity, without seeking reward for it, and shift your agency model to what is permitted.
Allah Most High provides through the doors He opens, and replaces what is left for His sake with what is better.
Allah Most High says, “O mankind: Eat of all that is on earth, lawful and delicious, and follow not eagerly the steps of the Devil; Verily he is your open foe.” [Quran 2:168; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
And: “So eat of what Allah has provided you lawful and delicious; And be grateful for the blessing of Allah, if it be Him you truly worship.” [Quran 16:114]
Be a Strong, Blessed Believer
Our Beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in each. Be avoid for all that benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not deem yourself incapable….”[Muslim]
Strive to be that believer.
Supplication is Support and Strength
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught us a supplication to seek sufficiency in the lawful and to pay off debts.
Make this Prophetic supplication a regular habit. Strive to mean it, live it, and you will find Divine assistance.
اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ
“O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful (halal) from Your unlawful (haram), and make me independent by Your grace from all besides You.” [Tirmidhi, others]
Only Broker What You Would Be Content to Be Known For
The test is simple: would you be content to have your name attached to every collaboration you arranged, when every account is presented before Allah?
Build the agency you would be pleased to present before your Lord. May Allah Most High grant you blessings in lawful trade, and replace what you leave for His sake with what is better.
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,” published by White Thread Press in 2004, which 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.
