I got a job offer ART (the television program) (ART stands for Arabic radio television). The job is in their office in California and it is customer service or a secretary assisting the president and vice president. For example, answering their private calls, and doing paper work. My question is this job considered Halaal or Haraam since ART is a television program. I would only be doing office work.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

There is no doubt that mass media has a great role in reforming or corrupting societies. It is a two-sided weapon. The people in charge of that station should fear Allaah regarding the creed and manners of the Muslim nation. They should only broadcast that which benefits the Muslim nation, and should only put in charge trustworthy people who fear Allaah and seek to benefit the Muslims and the society as a whole so that people will not go astray because of them. It is known that whoever broadcasts what is harmful to people in their creed or conduct, will get the same sin as those who commit the sins. Similarly, whoever broadcasts what benefits the people will get exactly the same reward as those who acted according to those beneficial programs, if by doing so one intended to guide people for the sake of Allaah.

As regards your question, you have to know, dear sister, that it is not permissible for you to work for this television station as it broadcasts movies, songs and dancing, even if your work is secret and answering the phone, because it is considered as helping in forbidden things, while Allaah says: (interpretation of the meaning): {…but do no help one another in sin and transgression}[5:2].

We advise you to refrain from working in this place and look for another job. You have to know, may Allaah enable you to do what is righteous, that whoever fears Allaah, Allaah will make for him a way out of every difficulty and Allaah says: (interpretation of the meaning): {And for those who fear Allaah, He (ever) prepares a way out and He provides for him from (sources) he never could expect.}[65:2-3].

The Prophet also said: "If you leave something for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will compensate you with something better."

Please refer to Fataawa: 82056 and 82399 regarding the requirements for a woman to go out and work.

Allaah knows best.