Selling items used for Black Magic
Question:-
My husband is working for Muslims in a retail store as a Manager. They sell shoes and have now started selling other items such as, soaps, oils, etc. which are used by the indigenious people for spiritual healing and black magic (referred to as “Muti”). I would like to know, what is the status of my husband? Are his earnings Halaal? Is it permissible to work for these people and sell these items?
Answer:-
We assume that the soaps and oils which are being sold in the store have multiple purposes. The oil can be used either for cooking or medicinal purposes, and we assume that the soaps can be used for cleaning and washing. At the same, we understand that these items can be used for black magic as well. Now, the shopkeeper in this instance, will not be considered as assisting in the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala, as the items being sold have various purposes. However, if the seller intends selling these items solely for black magic to be carried out, then the sale of such items will be Haraam, and the income derived therefrom will also be Haraam.
However, if he does not have the intention of selling it for the purpose of practicing black magic, then there are two scenarios in this case; he is unaware that it will be used for black magic, in which case, it will be permissible to sell the items without any form of abhorrence, hence, the income will be halaal. On the other hand, if the shopkeeper is aware with certainty that the items are going to be used for black magic, then the transaction will be Makrooh. [Re: Jawahirul Fiqh Pg.512 Vol.7 / Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyyah Pg.165 Vol:5]
In conclusion, if the items are sold purely for practicing black magic, then it is Haraam. In this instance, being the manager, he should speak to his seniors and discourage them from selling such items. There are many other Halaal items that could be introduced into the business and there is hope that Allah Ta’ala will grant abundance of Barakah in the sale of these items. We have conviction that Rizq is from Allah Ta’ala, and we should, therefore, place our reliance upon Him.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Ahmed Saeed
Date: 26 Shawwal 1444 / 17 May 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai