Boycotting Woolworths

QUESTION:-

Regarding the “Woolworths pro-LGBTQ boycott”, there are a number of other stores that are also pro-LGBTQ+, but they have not advertised it the way Woolworths has. Should we then, only boycott Woolworths, or do we boycott all the businesses that are pro-LGBTQ+? What effect does it have on our  Imaan if we purchase from these stores?

ANSWER:-

We haven’t come across any narrations or verses of the Quraan Sharif which indicate that we, as Muslims, should boycott the products or stores of the Kuffar so that the Kuffar stop supporting and promoting Kufr ideologies such as ‘LGBTQ’. The Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum would give the Kuffar Dawat towards Islam. If they were not willing to accept Islam, they were required to pay Jizyah (taxes) to the Muslim government, and the Muslim government would protect their properties and lives in return. If they refused to pay taxes to the Muslim government, then the Muslims would wage war against them.

If the Muslims didn’t have sufficient manpower to fight the Kuffar, as was their condition when living in Makkah Sharif, then they were commanded to exercise patience. And when they had sufficient resources to fight the Kuffar, as was their condition when they migrated to Madinah Sharif, then they were permitted to fight the Kuffar due to being oppressed. This is the actual way of combating and countering the Kuffar and not through boycotting their products.

If two billion Muslims in the world boycott their products, then there are another 6 billion Kuffar to support them and purchase their products. So boycotting is not the actual solution in trying to rectify their corrupt ideologies. Yes, we do agree that it will affect their turnover to some extent, but that is not sufficient to prevent their wrongs. The actual solution of ridding the bad elements of society is by implementing Jihaad, but if we do not have the ability, then Sabr is required until we have sufficient resources to do so.

However, there is no prohibition in purchasing their products. Although there is no prohibition from purchasing from the Kuffar, we, being Muslim, should be supporting Muslim-owned stores, and purchasing products manufactured by Muslim manufacturers, rather than supporting the Kuffar, as it is the Muslim businessmen that support our Masaajid, Madrasahs, discharge Zakaat, Lillah, Sadaqah, etc. In conclusion, we should purchase our goods from Muslim-owned stores as far as possible. Most of the food and clothing items that are sold at Woolworths and other Kuffar outlets that support LGBTQ, can easily be found at other stores as well, hence, what is the need to purchase items that carry the Woolworths logo? Yes, if we are unable to source the goods from Muslim outlets, then we may purchase the goods from any other store where the product is available.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:-

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date:- 16 Dhul Qa’dah 1444 / 06 June 2023