Is My Salary Working as a Talent Counselor in the Modeling Industry Halal?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is my salary halal as a Talent Counselor at a grooming school for models and presenters, given the potential conflicts with Islamic values in the modeling industry?
Answer
Working as a Talent Counselor at a grooming school for models and presenters involves guiding individuals in industries that may have elements conflicting with Islamic values, such as modeling and entertainment. To determine whether your salary is halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden), consider the following points:
Nature of the Work
If your role involves activities explicitly prohibited in Islam—such as promoting indecency, facilitating impermissible interactions, or encouraging behavior contrary to Islamic ethics—then the job itself may be considered impermissible. Conversely, the work may be permissible if your duties are limited to providing general guidance, education, or support without engaging in or promoting haram activities. [Nawawi, Majmu‘]
Allah says, “…Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is severe in punishment.” [Quran, 5:2]
Source of Income
Your salary is considered halal if it is compensation for permissible work. Even if the organization engages in some impermissible activities, your income remains lawful as long as your specific role does not directly involve haram actions. [ibid.]
Given these considerations, if your role as a Talent Counselor does not require you to engage in or promote activities contrary to Islamic values, and you maintain adherence to Islamic guidelines in your conduct, your salary would generally be considered halal.
However, if your job duties involve promoting or facilitating haram activities, you must seek alternative employment in line with Islamic ethics, but you may remain in your current position until you do.
For personalized advice, consider consulting a knowledgeable Islamic scholar who can offer guidance based on your situation’s specifics.
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
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.