I use to work in a parcel/letter sorting and dispatch warehouse during the Christmas period, where I had to sort envelopes that were due to be sent that may have contained Christmas and birthday cards. I also use to handle many cardboard packets that may have had vinyl records in them, that could have had music on them. There is also the possibly that I was organising crates that contained magazines in plastic transparent wrapping, but to be honest I can't remember if the magazines crates were there or not, as it was over 6 years ago I when I started working there. The reason I said 'may have' and 'could have' is because as you know more often than not one cannot see the contents of an envelope or parcel until they open it. What is the ruling on working in such a place? If it is not permissible, what should I do with any items I bought with the money earned from there? To be honest with you because it was quite a few years ago I cannot remember what I bought with the wages anyway. Thank you and jazakumullah khayra

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.

First of all, we ask Allah to increase your zeal in doing good.

We fear that your question stems from whispers and asking questions in depth, so we do not want to get involved in detailing the many issues related to your question because this may increase your confusion.

In any case, what is forbidden in the issue of helping others do what is forbidden is when one knows that by helping the other person he will enable him to do the act of disobedience. However, there is no consideration when a person is in doubt of the matter.

Even if one predominantly thinks based on the existence of other indications but was not certain about it, then the majority of scholars relate this to the ruling of being in doubt and that it does not necessitate the prohibition of helping.

The Kuwaiti Fiqh Encyclopedia reads –in the context of speaking about selling juice to someone who turns it into wine:

"If the seller does not know the condition of the buyer, or that the buyer is someone who makes both vinegar and wine, or that the seller doubts the condition of the buyer, or just has an illusion about him, then the majority of the scholars are of the view that it is permissible [to sell to him]." [End of quote]

Therefore, since you do not know that those parcels are forbidden, then there is no harm on you, and your salary is lawful to you.

Allah knows best.