Question
Is it permissible to work in a butchers shop that sells haram meat eg pork. He said he's on a training course and the only jobs available are the ones cutting haraam meat.
Answer:
ﺑﺴﻢ اﷲ اﻟﺮﺣﻤﻦ اﻟﺮﺣﯿﻢ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
No, it is not permissible to cut haram meat because this entails assisting others in sin. Allah (s.w.t.) says, “And do not assist each other in sin and aggression.” (Surah Al-Maidah: v. 2)
If this is the only means of livelihood at the moment which him and his family are dependent upon, and he cannot find an alternative, he may continue to work there until he finds such a job that does not involve impermissible work. Whilst carrying out the act of cutting haram meat, he must dislike the act and haram meat with all his heart. Nevertheless, he should continuously make excessive tawba and istighfar (i.e. repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness) and simultaneously search for a permissible job.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham