Pharmacist selling medication without a prescription

Question:-

I am a pharmacist who is required to sell certain drugs only to clients that are in possession of a valid prescription. Am I permitted to overlook this and sell these drugs without a script from an Islamic perspective?

Answer:-

According to law, only patients in possession of a prescription are entitled to purchase certain types of medication which you are fully aware of, being a pharmacist. It is necessary for us, as Muslim citizens, to abide by the rules and regulations of the country with the proviso that the rules and regulations of the country do not contradict the laws of Shariah. If the regulations of the country contradict the laws of Shariah, then the laws of Allah Ta’aala will be given priority and have to be implemented. The Hadith states, “There is no obedience to the creation at the expense of disobeying Allah Ta’aala.”[Tabrani]

Now, coming to your query, it is necessary for you as a pharmacist to abide by the regulations of the country by ensuring that drugs requiring a prescription are only issued with a valid prescription from a medical practitioner. By overlooking and bypassing this requirement, there always exists a possibility of being caught, and as a result being prosecuted. This will ultimately result in bringing humiliation upon you as a Muslim, which is obviously something to be avoided. We therefore advise abstention from such a practice.                

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 14 Rajab 1443 / 16 February 2022