Working for a Company that Uses an LGBT Logo on its Website
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question Summary
In Germany, I found a job in a scooter company with an LGBT logo on its homepage. The work itself is permissible (changing batteries of scooters etc.). Am I allowed to work there, and is the income lawful?
Question Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
We pray that Allah guides us to lives of peace and contentment in this life and the next.
If the company is not directly or indirectly assisting in sin, there is no harm in working there, and Allah knows best.
Assisting in Sin or Not
Company’s Values
In Muslim-minority countries, businesses will often hold values contrary to Muslims’ beliefs. As long as the companies do not force those values or beliefs upon their employees, working for them does not entail involvement or assistance in sinning. It would generally be permissible to work there, and Allah knows best.
A company could, for example, promote (have logos of) festivals of other religions that are contrary to Islam, but you have no control over that. One has no control over the actions of others and will not be held accountable by Allah for their deeds. Allah says: “And every soul earns not [blame] except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.” [Qur’an 6:164]
Discretion
The Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim]
There may be situations wherein a company becomes openly supportive or actively promotes sinning. Working at those companies would be problematic if it leads to a point wherein working there is tantamount to condoning its positions. Muslims should use some level of discretion or seek the guidance of local scholars where necessary, 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 pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
