QUESTION:
If so many Muslims are eating and living from Haraam income, then how are they expected to engage in A’maal and how is their Ibaadat going to be accepted?
How is the knowledge of Halaal and Haraam in trading going to reach the Ummah?
Why are the Muslimahs who have home industries, not being given Islamic business knowledge?
Why are programs in the Masaajid regarding business and trading not being held more often?
How do we expect the Ummah to reform if it’s constantly being nourished with Haraam income?
ANSWER:
Firstly, we fully agree with you that majority of the Ummah are not aware of the laws of commerce and therefore do not trade in accordance with Shariah. A very small percentage of the Ummah are aware of the laws of trading, and from amongst them, only a small percentage abide by the Shari’ee laws of trade and commerce. Undoubtedly, earning Halaal plays a very important and vital role in our Deen. If one’s income is Halaal and pure, then one’s Ibaadat will be accepted in the court of Allah while the consequence of Haraam wealth is disastrous in this world and the hereafter. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam prophesized that a time will dawn upon the people when they will not care whether their income is accrued from Halaal sources or Haraam sources.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَأْتِي عَلَى النَّاسِ زَمَانٌ مَا يُبَالِي الرَّجُلُ مِنْ أَيْنَ أَصَابَ الْمَالَ مِنْ حَلاَلٍ أَوْ حَرَامٍ)النسائي # 4454)
Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, a time will dawn upon people when a man will not care from where he acquires his wealth, whether he acquires it from Halaal sources or Haraam sources.
In another Hadith Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam explained the harms of Haraam:
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم “إنَّ اللَّهَ طَيِّبٌ لَا يَقْبَلُ إلَّا طَيِّبًا، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ أَمَرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ بِمَا أَمَرَ بِهِ الْمُرْسَلِينَ فَقَالَ تَعَالَى: “يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنْ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا”، وَقَالَ تَعَالَى: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ” ثُمَّ ذَكَرَ الرَّجُلَ يُطِيلُ السَّفَرَ أَشْعَثَ أَغْبَرَ يَمُدُّ يَدَيْهِ إلَى السَّمَاءِ: يَا رَبِّ! يَا رَبِّ! وَمَطْعَمُهُ حَرَامٌ، وَمَشْرَبُهُ حَرَامٌ، وَمَلْبَسُهُ حَرَامٌ، وَغُذِّيَ بِالْحَرَامِ، فَأَنَّى يُسْتَجَابُ لَهُ؟)صحيح مسلم #1015)
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu that Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Almighty Allah is Pure and only accepts that which is pure. And verily Allah has commanded the believers that which He has commanded the Messengers. Allah Ta’ala states: “O Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibat (pure and wholesome) and perform righteous deeds.” Allah Ta’ala states: “O you who believe! Eat of the pure (lawful things) that We have provided you.” Then Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam mentioned a person who undertakes a lengthy journey due to which he is disheveled and dusty. He spreads out his hands towards the sky saying “O Rabb! O Rabb!” whereas his food is Haraam, his drink is Haraam, his clothing is Haraam, and he has been nourished with Haram, so how will his Dua be answered?
The above narrations illustrate the importance of acquiring Halaal sustenance. Now coming to your query, these matters are discussed from the pulpit on Jumuah and other occasions as well. When business-related programs and inheritance-related programs are held in the Masajid then they are poorly attended which is an indication of the lack of interest within the masses. There are reputable Darul Iftas in our country which have posted business Masaa’il on their websites but just a handful of people visit these websites and derive benefit therefrom. At the same time, there are many books written on Islamic commerce but unfortunately people have no time to read. This is exactly what has been prophesized in the narration of Nasa’i Sharif which we have quoted above. It is merely a matter of acquiring more and more wealth, irrespective of whether it is acquired the Halaal or Haraam way.
The Ulama are prepared to assist and guide the Ummah but they are not prepared to benefit. Hence, the Ulama cannot be held responsible for the lack of interest in the Ummah.
Yes, undoubtedly, a large percentage of the Ummah is consuming Haraam. The consequence is evident in the people, laziness to perform Salaah and engage in acts of Ibaadah, the desire to engage in various forms of sin, cowardliness, etc. Consuming Halaal food spurs one onto carrying out acts of Ibaadaat, refraining from sins, bravery, and the ability to stand for the truth, etc.
If Ulama discuss one Mas’ala at the end of every Jumuah Bayaan, then 52 Masaa’il will be covered in a year. However, it is important that the Mas’ala is well explained and even repeated, so that it is well understood by the masses. We at the Darul Ifta broadcast one Mas’ala every day to educate the masses by the Fadhl of Allah and His kindness. Alhamdulillah, this has led to many people asking subsequent questions and correcting their businesses and lives. Also, if a group of Ulama in every town can visit all the businesses once a week in the morning and spend 5-10 minutes explaining a few Masaa’il to the shopkeepers, then this too would prove beneficial. Also, we should ensure that our children are given proper Islamic education which covers the various aspects of Deen. If every individual becomes conscious of his earnings and tries to earn Halaal, then there is hope that the entire Ummah will gradually try to earn Halaal. However, the importance of this matter has left the Ummah, hence we can only complain and make Dua to Almighty Allah that He guides the Ummah.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: – 10 Rabi ul Awwal 1444 / 26 September 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb