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Fatwa CenterWorking illegally according to visa status
Question
I have come to the U.K. to work as a doctor. Alhamdulillaah, I have got job as a doctor starting from February 2005, so there still few months for this job to start and I am not legally allowed to do any other job. In this case, if I do some other job (which is illegal according to my visa status) till February 2005, will the money I will earn be Halal?
Answer
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.
If you are able to spend on yourself while waiting to start work, then it is not permissible for you to transgress the law which does not allow you to work during this period. Obtaining a visa and entering their country is in itself a confirmation to fulfil the conditions and not transgress the law.
The Prophet 
said: "Muslims should honor their conditions." [Abu Daawood]. However, if not working during this period causes harm to you and exposes you to death, it will be permissible for you to work. Allaah says (interpretation of meaning): {…while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity?}[6:119]. Allaah also says (interpretation of meaning): {But if one is forced by necessity without wilful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.}[2: 173].
For further details about residing in non-Muslim countries, please refer to Fataawa: 81464 and 81642.
Allaah knows best.
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