Question
Asalamualaikum! Currently, we own a daycare, and for the past few years, we haven't gotten close to profit, but rather increased in loss throughout. We have noticed that our family as a whole hasn't improved at all since we started, and our successes have only decreased since it's opening. Our concern is that as a part of accreditation and licensing requirements, we have to incorporate Christmas, Halloween, and other celebrations to include multiculturalism as part of our centre. Would this be permissible, and if not, would the income produced be haram? Also to add on, how would we increase the Barakat of the daycare, as we fear jealousy and the evil eye may be the cause of some of our issues?
Answer:
ﺑﺴﻢ اﷲ اﻟﺮﺣﻤﻦ اﻟﺮﺣﯿﻢ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Incorporation of Christmas and Halloween in one’s daycare centre is strictly prohibited. If a person willingly allows these types of activities to take place in their daycare centre, it shows a person’s approval of celebrating these unislamic holidays and becomes akin to assisting in sin. Allah ﺗﻌﺎﻟﻰ says, “... and do not assist one another in sin and aggression…” (Surah Al Maida: verse 2). Hence, you should adopt patience and put your trust in Allah ﺗﻌﺎﻟﻰ.
With kindness and wisdom, explain to whom it may concern your religious values and beliefs. Resorting to sins will only lead to more distress in life and the hereafter. Despite these severe consequences, if someone insists on including these evil practices within their daycare centre, the income would be considered permissible because one is being paid for their service (i.e. babysitting) and time1, however the blessings will definitely not increase, rather, it will diminish. The Prophet ﷺ said, “...and verily, a man is deprived of sustenance due to a sin that he commits.” (Mishkatul Masabeeh: Hadith 4925). To increase the blessings of your business and wealth, you must observe *taqwa *(obey Allah’s commandments and abstain from His disobedience). When you inculcate the quality of *taqwa*, Allah ﺗﻌﺎﻟﻰ will provide you; as a matter of fact, this is His promise, “... whoever fears Allah, Allah will make a way out for him and provide him from where he could perceive not.” (Surah At-Talaaq: verse 2-3). Also recite Surah Al Waqia every night; The Prophet ﷺ said, “ One who recites Surah Al Waqia every night will never be afflicted by poverty.” (Muntakhab Ahadith: p. 291, Hadith 53 [Zam Zam]). Have conviction in the words of Allah ﺗﻌﺎﻟﻰ and His Messenger ﷺ and continue making dua to Allah ﺗﻌﺎﻟﻰ for ease and halal sustenance.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham
1 Fatawa Hindiya: v. 4, p. 569-570 (DKI); Raddul Muhtar: v. 9, p. 95 (Maktaba Imdadia)