Question: Is working in a non-halal industry (e.g., banks, supermarkets selling alcohol) allowed?
Answer: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ، الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى أَشْرَفِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ، نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ، وَمَنْ تَبِعَهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ.
Islam obligates the Muslim to earn a livelihood through lawful means. Working in a job that involves directly promoting or handling what is prohibited by Sharīʿah—such as alcohol, pork, or interest-based financial transactions—is not permissible according to all four madhāhib.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“إِنَّ اللَّهَ إِذَا حَرَّمَ شَيْئًا حَرَّمَ ثَمَنَهُ”
“Indeed, when Allah forbids a thing, He forbids its price.” (Narrated by Aḥmad and Abū Dāwūd)
Based on this, it is not permissible to work in positions that entail:
Selling, serving, or transporting alcohol or pork.
Operating or supporting ribā-based financial institutions.
Advertising or facilitating haram industries such as gambling or adult content.
However, scholars differentiate between direct and indirect involvement. If a person works in a mixed environment (such as a supermarket) where the majority of goods are permissible, and the prohibited items are incidental and not the worker’s core responsibility, then this may be tolerated under ḥājah (need) while actively searching for permissible employment.
According to AAOIFI Shariah Standards, when it comes to income from doubtful sources, a person should avoid it if possible, but if they do earn from it, they should purify that income by giving away a portion in charity. The standard says that in cases where complete avoidance is difficult, one should estimate the doubtful portion and give it away without the intention of reward, only for purification.
Nonetheless, working in any role that inherently and necessarily involves haram services or products is not permitted, regardless of context. This includes jobs in conventional banks processing interest-based loans, or as cashiers selling alcohol.
Employment must always be sought within the bounds of halal, and one must rely upon Allah while making every effort to move away from any role involving prohibited elements.
وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ.