Is It Permissible To Invest In Unethical, but Shari’a Compliant Companies?

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Question: Assalamu ‘alaykum. The only Shari’a compliant ETFs available invest in some unethical companies, but there is not really other options available for passive investing. Is it halal to invest in these ETFs?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Investing in any Shari’a compliant company will mean that the investment and profit are halal. However, unethical elements in a business would make it superior to avoid. The way of excellence is conduct with Allah and His creation (ihsan) would entail not being a part of something that harms others not something that robs or diminishes others of their rights.

Avoiding such matters with the intention to please Allah is something that would be rewarded. “Indeed, Allah loves those who excel in goodness.“ [Qur’an, 2:195] Look for other opportunities. Whatever you do for Allah will come back to you as some form of good, if not in this life, then certainly in the next.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

Are Extended Warranties Permissible?

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Question: I recently got a laptop and I read online that purchasing an extended warranty at the same time at an additional cost is permissible because that extended service comes as a gift or servicing cost. After this, I got an extended warranty with a laptop, but I noticed that the warranty provided is not by the same company that provides the initial warranty that is a company of laptop like Dell, Apple, etc. (not the extended one). The extended warranty is by a third party.  Is this permissible?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh,

I pray you are well.

Extended Warranties Are Permissible

Yes, purchasing such extended warranties are permissible if purchased at the time of the sale. The fact that the provider is another company does not affect the validity of the contract. The seller can be seen as a representative of the company who will provide the service to you (Usmani, Fiqh al Buyu’).

Please consider taking our course on Money Matters. It will provide a lot of guidance on money and the principles of Islamic Finance.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

Is It Permissible to Use Pirated Software If You Are Poor?

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On the Halal and Haram

Question: I live in a poor country, and the Government doesn’t do enough to help people. Buying original development software is too expensive. Can I use pirated software instead?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh,

I pray you are well.

Using Pirated Software

Thank you for the detailed explanation of your situation. Despite the difficulty with the Government and the other factors you mentioned, this does not make using the pirated software permissible. The companies that produce the software do so as a means of income. They own the product, and in essence, hire it out to people.

The jurists have a principle that states it is not permissible to spend or use the wealth or property of another without their permission. It would be like living in the house that another has purchased to benefit from its rental income, but without an agreement or paying rent.

Your personal circumstances, despite how difficult they may be,  do not permit you do use the property of another without their permission (Maydani, al Lubab).

Use Alternatives

If no other means of work is possible then use the free development tools available. There are many programs that do that, such as the Office package, maybe not the same, but the basic functions are the same. Google Documents and other tools they provide are also viable, free options.

If there are some older versions of the software that they do not derive an income from and permit people to use then using that would be fine too.

Turn to Allah

One of the means of increasing one’s rizq is to engage in some form of remembrance of Allah after the ‘Asr prayer, according to Imam ‘Abdullah al Haddad (Haddad, Adab al Murid).  The Prophet Nuh (Allah bless him and give him peace) encouraged his people to ask Allah for forgiveness saying, “He will give you an increase in wealth and child…” (Qur’an, 71:12).

Lay your neediness out before Allah. He will take care of you with His generosity.

May Allah facilitate all matters for you.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

Matching Grants

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Question: Are matching grants permissible?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Yes, matching grants are permissible because they are simply gifted contracts (hiba).

As a Muslim, it is more noble not to claim any benefits at all if one can survive on one’s own income without them. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Whoever seeks to need Allah alone (yastaghni), Allah will enrich him’ (Bukhari and Muslim).

This sense of nobility and financial independence is even more important for Muslims living in non-Muslim countries. It is very ignoble (bay ghayrat/min khawarim al murua) for a Muslim to stretch out his hand for help from a non-Muslim. However, for most Muslims, and indeed for most Muslim countries, it is simply not possible for them to survive without financial aid.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language

Buying and Selling Card Games and Board Games

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Question: What is the ruling on buying and selling card games and board games that have non-Islamic religious symbols on them?

Answer: Dear questioner,

Thank you for your valued question. I pray that Allah increases you in knowledge and light.

It is not permissible to buy or sell items that have non-Islamic religious symbols on them. This would also apply to items that had names of pagan gods written on it in a way that shows them respect and reverence.

This is because such items are forbidden, and it is not permissible to sell things that have no permissible use (Minhaj al Talibin).

Religious Symbols

Allah Most High cherishes His slaves and has forbidden them to waste their money: ‘O believers, consume not your goods between you in vanity, except there be trading, by your agreeing together’ (Qur’an, 4:29).

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was very much against any false religious symbols. He would break any crosses that he could see, and he forbade the sale of idols (Bukhari and Muslim).  And because they have no permissible use, they are forbidden to sell (Minhaj al Talibin).

Please also see: Permissibility of Easter Eggs

Games of Chance

Not to mention that in the Shafii school, games of chance are all forbidden. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘Whoever plays dice has disobeyed Allah and His messenger’ (Malik).  Other games of chance are known to be forbidden by analogy (Sharh Muslim, Nawawi).

There other opinions among the ulema about games of chance: Are Crosswords, Sudoku Puzzles, Etc. Permissible?

Conclusion

Non-Islamic religious symbols are forbidden and therefore it is forbidden to buy or sell items that have them on them.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language

Is an Online Collection of a Product a Valid Transaction?

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Question:
Assalamu alaikum. We know that for salam transactions there needs to be a specific place fixed. But I’ve confirmed a similar transaction where the thing that I paid for is an in-game pack. I thought the delivery is to be done online and the items of the pack should be in my account so I did not exactly fix a specific place. Is the transaction valid? If not, what do I have to do now?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

This transaction seems to be valid. For digital products, the only way to collect them is to download them. Access to a download link is usually given via email or by logging into an account online. This is known to the buyer, so there is no problem here.

It would be a salam transaction if it was a pre-order of a product that wasn’t ready. The date of access to the product is known in such situations. If it wasn’t known it would be invalid and you’d have to cancel the transaction by getting a refund (Maydani, al Luba, Uthmani, Fiqh al Buyu’).

I pray that helps.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

Is My Hajj Acceptable if I Borrowed Money from the Bank to Pay Debts?

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Question: My wife and I borrowed money from a bank to help her clear debts we are paying together in installments on time. I want to go to hajj will it be acceptable.

Answer: Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Yes, it would be permissible for you to go to Hajj at this stage. The money you borrowed from the bank is a separate matter.

If the loan was an interest-bearing loan it would be best to repent for that as soon as possible and to pay it off as soon as you can too. “The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, cursed the one takes interest, the one who gives it, the one who writes [the contract], and those who witnessed it” (Muslim).

Based on this it would be superior to get the loan off your head before thinking of the Hajj as “Preventing harm takes precedence of gaining benefits” (Zarqa; Sharh al Qawa’id al Fiqhiyya).

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Qur’anic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Qur’anic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

Halal and Ethical Trade Practices

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Assalamu ‘alaykum.

Question: I’m planning on starting a skincare company/selling skincare products (creams, cleansers, etc). My plan is to work with a private manufacturing company to produce these products. I want to make sure the money I earn from this business won’t be haram.

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Halal and Ethical Trade Practices

As long as your products do not contain any haram impure ingredients, and you and the companies trade ethically, your product and income will be halal. Do your best to maintain high standards in everything you do and give some of your proceeds to charity. You’ll find baraka in the project insha’Allah.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Indeed, Allah loves it when any of you does something that he does it well.” (Tabarani)

May Allah grant you success in all your endeavors.

Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

 

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

 

Is it Correct to Accept Money From an Illicit Source?

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Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question: Assalaamu Alaikum, If someone lent somebody halal money and the person returns the money from a haram source. Is it okay to accept that money?

Answer: Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Yes, you can take the money from them. In general, when someone acquires money we don’t look at the actual banknotes. We look at the money that is in his possession, some of which could be from a halal source. You can assume that the repaid to you was from an alternative halal source. (Usmani, Fiqh al Buyu’)

The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, told us, “Love for people what you would love for yourself.” (Ibn Majah) Being safe from the punishment for such activities is something everyone would want for themselves. Therefore, if you think it will make a difference, try advising this person in a gentle, understanding manner.

You never know, maybe your words will have a positive effect on them. Regardless, you should pray for such a person to be given the ability to get out of that situation.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Qur’anic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Qur’anic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

Car Accident and Fraudulent Claim

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Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question: Years ago I was in a car accident. My guardians made a fraudulent injury claim at the time. What should I do?

Answer: Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

You would need to return the money which you received as a result of the claim to the company that made the payment. If you are unable to find the company, you can simply donate the money to any charity or poor person with the intention of getting it out of your possession. (Usmani, Fiqh al Buys’)

Returning Wrongfully Taken Property

Any property which has been wrongfully taken, such as through lying and deception, must be returned. It is a condition for the validity of one’s repentance that one does do. (Nawawi, Raiyad al Salihin)

The money can also be returned anonymously or via an alternative means. For example, one could purchase a gift voucher from a company one owes money to and not use it. Or if money is owed to an individual one could just place it in an envelope and post it to them.

The point is to return the right to the owner. Sometimes, if the matter was discussed with the owner, he would just forgive the right. If that is the case then nothing needs to be returned.

It’s better to deal with matters in this life before the next, where the only available currency is deeds which one has sent ahead. Imam Sha’rani suggested regularly performing a particularly good deed and donating its reward to anyone one has wronged. This ensures the matter is covered one way or another. (Sha’rani, al Kawkab al Shahiq)

May Allah facilitate the matter for you in the best of ways.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Qur’anic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Qur’anic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.