Hi, I am a Muslim graphic designer. I am employed in a movie production company, where I signed a one-year contract. Initially, I thought that it was all about making cellular online banner ads because the interviewer said that I was being hired for that. After going to work, however, I discovered that they make us do ads for female pictures, movies, and other idols, etc. Then I read that, in Islam, it is wrong to do such things. So I want to resign and break the contract. The contract specifies a two-month notice. However, I do not want to go to that office because I cannot refuse to do the necessary work there for two whole months. Those in my surroundings who wish the best for me told me to just stop going to work. So I prayed Isthikaarah (guidance-seeking prayer) and then when I happened to read the Quran, in Surah At-Tawbah, in verse number four, I read (what means): {Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allaah loves the righteous [who fear Him].} and this left me totally confused. Is it permissible to break a contract in Islam?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

As long as the contract between you and the company was about doing a particular job that is permissible, as you mentioned, designing cellular online banner ads, then you are not obliged to do any work or designs other than this.

As regards the forbidden designs, it is not permissible at all to do them, even if this requires terminating the contract with the company, and there is no harm on you in invalidating it.

The fact that it is a condition to give a two-month notice to invalidate the contract, then either they give you the permissible work that was agreed upon during the two months, or it is they who are breaching the contract.

This is not considered breaching the contract on your part.

Allah knows best.