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234 questions answered by Sh. Mustafa Umar. Search in your own words or pick a topic.
Can I make a website for a company that sells alcoholic beverages or marijuana online?
You are not allowed to make a website for a company that primarily sells forbidden (haram) items because it directly helps facilitate, market, or execute forbidden transactions (such as selling intoxicants, interest-based transactions, or illegal items). If you developed general-purpose tools, infrastructure, or basic services that could be used for both permissible and impermissible purposes like general internet hosting or a specific website feature that was then sold to this company, then it would be fine.
Can I work in the defense industry where they might produce weapons?
Many Muslim scholars have discouraged Muslims from working in the defense industry because much of that technology is used to kill or harm innocent people through various destructive wars. However, the technology made by these companies also helps humanity by providing commercial airplanes, and by securing our country, etc. So it is not a black & white issue. If possible, it is best to stay only with a company that does not produce technology that will be used to harm people. The next best is to only work in a division of a defense company that is unlikely to be misused to harm innocent people.
Does leasing a car involve forbidden interest (riba)?
Interest (riba) is forbidden in Islam. Interest refers to the additional money charged/paid on a loan. When you lease a car, you are renting it from the owner and pay a fee for that. It is allowed to pay a fee to rent something from the original owner. When you finance a car, you’re buying it, and the finance charge is the interest on the loan. In a lease, you’re renting, and the finance charge (known as the money facror) is a fee for using the vehicle and its depreciation. So, since the “interest” on a lease is not a fee for borrowing money, it is not really forbidden interest (riba) and is therefore allowed.
Can I give blood or plasma to those who need it? Can I sell blood or plasma? Can I buy it if needed? Can I accept a gift for giving blood?
Giving blood or plasma is a charitable act since it usually goes to those who need it for medical reasons. You cannot sell blood or plasma because it is not a commodity that can be owned or sold. In the case of a genuine medical need, you can buy blood or plasma if there is no other option available, but still cannot sell it. You can accept a gift for giving blood, if you had no intent or expectation to get that gift.
Can I sell products through dropshipping?
Selling products through dropshipping is allowed if the supplier has a system to reject orders when they know they will not be able to fulfill them. This is usually the case.
Can I work at a store where I must deliver, serve, or process forbidden (haram) food like pork or alcohol?
Yes, it is allowed to work there or deliver these products because the service you are providing of scanning or delivering items is in itself allowed. Also, you do not own those products and are not the one selling them.
Can I Invest in Cryptocurrency?
Most cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum are similar to fiat currencies such as the dollar and euro. You may use them for transactions or use them as a store of value. However, they are not assets and therefore you do not buy them with the intention to sell them at a higher price. The details are in the semantics but are important to understand. Let’s take two examples:
Can I transfer credit card debt to my business partner?
If you both get 0% interest credit cards to buy goods, it is not necessary that the debt be shared 50-50 or according to the official amount on each credit card. You can agree to transfer the debt (or pass the responsibility) to the other person according to any ratio that you both agree to.
Can I get a credit card?
Using a credit card is only allowed when you use it like a debit card where you pay off the balance every month and make sure to never pay any interest. You must be sure you have the ability to pay every month either by putting money into your account in advance or making sure you only spend what you will be able to pay at the end of the billing period.
Can I open a bank account that gives interest? What if I give the interest away in charity?
You should open an interest-free account so you do not get any interest income. If no account like that is available, then choose the one with the least interest, and dispose of the interest accrued by giving it away in charity whenever you get it with no expectation of any reward.
These answers are general guidance. For your own situation, ask a scholar.