In light of the continuing conflict between Palestine and Israel, we feel compelled to address the legality of supporting businesses that finance or materially assist in unlawful activities against humanity.
Islam, as the final revelation bestowed by the Most Merciful, offers comprehensive guidance to its followers on various aspects of life. It advocates for a lifestyle and worldview that not only benefits the individual’s well-being but also contributes positively to humanity as a whole. A significant area where Islam provides direction is in consumerism, outlining a model for ethical consumption in accordance with Islamic principles. This model encourages Muslims to make informed purchasing decisions that align with the values and teachings of Islam, further emphasizing the necessity for its followers to exercise discretion in their spending habits.
Ethical consumption within Islam involves abstaining from supporting businesses that endorse or contribute to activities deemed unlawful or harmful to humanity. This support can take various forms, such as direct financial assistance, investments, or strategic partnerships, which are intended to sustain or enhance the objectives of these detrimental activities. Islam clearly disapproves of involvement or support for activities considered unlawful (haram) or morally wrong. This principle extends to conducting business with entities indirectly linked to unethical practices, whether they be political, economic, environmental, or involve human or animal oppression. Islam’s stance highlights the importance of avoiding associations that may indirectly contribute to such actions, especially in terms of giving material benefits.
In response to these concerns, contemporary Shariah scholars have divided the rulings into three main categories, underscoring the nuanced approach Islam takes towards ethical consumption and financial dealings.
- Mubah (Permissible): If there is no prior knowledge or evidence of a company’s involvement in supporting unlawful activities against humanity, transactions with such entities remain permissible (mubah). This is in line with the Quranic endorsement of trade and commerce, provided these activities are free from prohibited elements and involve lawful (permissible) products. The principle that actions are deemed permissible until proven otherwise is a foundational aspect of Islamic jurisprudence, applicable to all business dealings.
This perspective is supported by historical accounts of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions engaging in trade with Jewish communities, as evidenced by authentic hadiths found in Sahih al-Bukari and Sahib muslim. For instance, A’isha narrated an instance where the Prophet ﷺ purchased food grains on credit from a Jew and the payment was to be made by a definite period, and he ﷺ mortgaged his iron armor to him” (Sahih al-Bukhari, hadith no. 22520
- Haram (Impermissible): Transactions become impermissible (haram) when there is prior knowledge or evidence of a company’s financial support for unlawful activities. This knowledge or information may be sourced from the company official communication channels or media announcements.
This ruling is aligns with on the Quranic injunction in Surah al-Ma’idah, verse 2: “Do not help one another in sin (acts of disobedience) and enmity (transgression of God’s bounds)”, as purchasing products while being aware the unlawful activities might inadvertently align us with their actions, implying a tacit acceptance and support for the perpetuation of the unethical practices.
- Wajib: This ruling comes into effect following directives from a country’s government or its rulers. When an official mandate discourages citizens from engaging with a specific establishment due to its financial contributions to unlawful activities, Muslims are obligated to abstain from patronizing such a shop, in adherence to the command.
The ruling is based on the verse 59 of Surah an-Nisa’, where Allah SWT orders Muslims to obey Him, the Prophet Messenger, and those placed in authority. This commands underscores the importance of unity and adherence to Islamic teachings, even in the face of disagreement, by turning to the Quran and Sunnah for guidance. Echoing this sentiment, a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah and recorded in Sahih Muslim (hadith no. 1836) reinforces the duty of Muslims to obey their leaders in both favorable and challenging times, irrespective of personal inclinations or the perceived fairness of decisions:
“It is obligatory upon you to listen and obey the orders of the ruler in prosperity and adversity, whether you are willing or unwilling, or when someone is given undue preference to you.” (Sahih Muslim), hadith no, 1836)
Commenting on the hadith, Imam Nawawi stated that:
“the scholars unanimously agreed that it is obligatory – to obey the rulers – for all matters that do not involve sinful actions and any prohibitions towards the sinful actions.”
This is because rulers hold the utmost authority in determining what is the best for the overall welfare of the public. If their directives primarily aim to benefit the public and eliminate harm, those orders align with Islamic principles and are deemed permissible and acceptable. This includes specific instructions to avoid transactions with establishments known for their financial support of unlawful activities, thereby obliging the Muslim community to observe these orders faithfully.
Most importantly, Muslim consumers should extend their understanding beyond the awareness of their rights and the legal aspects of transactions to ensure that their consumer behaviors align with the Islamic virtues that protect the integrity go their heart and their spiritual essence. This alignment is underscored in Surah Mujadilah, verse 22, which eloquently states:
‘’You will not find those who believe in Allah and in the Hereafter having affection with those who contravene Allah and His Messenger, even though they may be their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kinsmen. (As for) those, Allah has inscribed faith on their hearts, and has supported them with a spirit from Him…”
This principle highlights a critical aspect often overlooked within the halal community—the holistic nature of the halal concept. It extends beyond the realms of manufacturing and production to encompass the actions and choices of consumers. The essence of halal is not only to be observed in products but also in the ethical and conscious decisions made by individuals in their daily lives.
Finally, it is imperative to acknowledge that transactions leading to immoral actions, or those that contravene Islamic principles, are viewed as akin to sinful behavior. In scenarios where there is awareness of a shop’s support for unlawful activities, supporting such an establishment may inadvertently implicate the consumer in these actions. Therefore, to maintain the sanctity of their faith and to adhere to the tenets of Islamic ethical consumption, Muslims are advised to steer clear of patronizing such businesses. This cautious approach is not just about adhering to legalistic interpretations of halal but about embodying the spirit of Islamic teachings in every aspect of life, thereby safeguarding one’s spiritual well-being and contributing to the promotion of a just and ethical society.
Allah Knows the Best.
