Is it Permissible to Sell Revealing Clothing?

Question

I sell men’s and women’s clothing. I offer men’s jeans, shorts, and T-shirts with various designs (including photos). Additionally, I provide women’s jeans, shorts, tops, leggings, blouses, crop tops, and bodysuits. Shaykh, I would like to inquire if this type of business is permissible in Islam.

While most of my customers are Christian, ensuring that the products and transactions follow Islamic principles and values is essential.

May Allah guide us toward what is permissible and bless our endeavors.

Answer

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

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

May Allah bless you and reward you for seeking guidance in matters of religion. Your job does not directly involve sinning, though some problematic issues affect your work indirectly. Your job is permissible, and Allah knows best. [Nawawi, al-Majmu ‘]

You have described that some of the products you sell promote contain photos (possibly drawings of animals, animated characters, and pictures of women). It is commendable that you are concerned about the religious implications of your work and seek guidance in this regard.

Please refer to this answer about the ruling on photos and animated characters.

Direct vs. Indirect Involvement in Sin

As a general rule, working in a job where one is not directly involved in unlawful activities is permissible, even if the company or the products it promotes may contain unlawful elements. However, ensuring that one’s work does not involve any direct involvement in unlawful activities, such as promoting or selling unlawful items or engaging in deceitful or unethical practices, is essential. While some of the clothing items are revealing, they may be used in lawful ways, and Allah knows best.

Based on your provided information, your work involves selling the products. You are not directly involved in promoting or selling any inherently unlawful products. However, it is essential to note that as a Muslim, you should strive to avoid promoting products that contain images that promote immodesty.

Suppose you feel uncomfortable selling products that contain such images or promote immodesty. In that case, consider selling products that align with your religious values. Suppose this is impossible, and you cannot find suitable alternatives. In that case, you may continue in your current job with the intention of avoiding any direct involvement in unlawful activities, and Allah knows best.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.