Question # 358: My husband and I own 50% of a convenient store, it the only job he found since he came to USA with poor English language, I feel terrible because it’s mixed with halal and haram goods, what should I do?
bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,
Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).
Dear questioner,
First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.
Shorter Answer: Based on AMJA’s fatwa, it is advisable to withdraw all non-halal products from the convenient store as soon as possible; however, considering the amount of non-halal products stock on hand, it is preferred to sell them and do not purchase any more of those prohibited items. Further, profit gained from the sale of this remaining stock is haraam money, so, you and your husband should repent to Allah, then get rid of this haraam portion (based on best estimate) by spending on various charitable means. You should advise your husband to take appropriate steps in this regard and just in case, if he does not listen to you, repent to Allah and make du’aa for his guidance.
Long Answer: AMJA has a declaration in this regard:
XII: Working at supermarkets and restaurants
A. It is not permissible for a Muslim to work at any grocery store or restaurant where prohibited items are sold if this work would entail direct involvement with them, for example, serving alcohol or pork products, whether in terms of preparation or otherwise. Cases of exigent need should be taken into account, as long as they are judged according to their extent and steps are taken to bring the situation to an end. One must also detest this employment with one’s heart, be determined to leave it as soon as possible and make a serious effort to find a lawful alternative.
Based on the above declaration, it is advisable to withdraw all non-halal products from the convenient store as soon as possible; however, considering the amount of stock of non-halal products in the store, it is preferred to sell the stock on hand and do not purchase any more of those prohibited items. Since, serving any prohibited item(s) does not render the whole grocery business to be haraam, rather it is halal by default. However, the profit gained from the sale of remaining stock of prohibited items is haraam money, so, you and your husband should repent to Allah, then get rid of the portion of the income which his haraam, by estimating and approximating to the best judgment. This money can be spent it in any of the various charitable means, and no benefit should be availed from it whether by investment or otherwise. As for the remaining portion which is the halal amount, you are allowed to use it to your benefit.
You should advise your husband to take appropriate steps in this regard and just in case, if he does not listen to you, repent to Allah and make du’aa for his guidance.
(The above answer has been verified by Dr. Main Khalid Al-Qudah, Member of the Fatwa Committee of Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America)
Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.
Wassalaam
