Working in store that sells Israeli products

5-3-2016 | IslamWeb

Question:

I asked you the following question, but you referred me to other fatwas that I did not understand. I also have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). Please answer me with yes or no. May Allaah reward you. my Question is:
Assalamu alaykum. I work in a store that sells beds, home stuff, and furniture as a stocker and sales associate. The store does not support Israel, but they have some products that are made in Israel, like hand soap and shampoo. Is it okay for me to work in this store even though they sell some products from Israel while they do not support or help Israel?

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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.

There is no harm for you to work in that store. The fact that some products are made by Jewish companies does not make selling them or purchasing them forbidden, as the Prophet traded with the Jews and exchanged benefits with them and dealt with them.

‘Abdullaah (ibn 'Umar) narrated that the Prophet gave Khaybar to the Jews to harvest it and cultivate it and that they got half of its produce. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Also, ‘Aa’ishah narrated that the Prophet bought some grain from a Jew on credit and gave him his shield as mortgage. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Besides, the Prophet accepted a gift from the Roman Emperor (Heraclius) after the Battle of Tabook and sent him a gift in return, and this goes for other such transactions that do not affect the entity of Islam or harm the Muslims; rather, they benefit from such transactions, and these serve the interests of the Muslims.

In any case, the fact that some lawful products are made by Jewish companies does not make it forbidden to deal with them in principle.

Finally, you should ignore obsessive whisperings and not get carried away with them lest they would spoil your religion and your life.

Allaah knows best.