Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance™

Is it permissible to deal with someone who has both lawful and unlawful earnings?

It is permissible to deal with an individual or institution whose lawful and unlawful earnings are mixed, provided the unlawful portion does not exceed the lawful portion, in which case it is impermissible if one is certain of it; if one is uncertain, it is permissible to assume that the lawful portion is greater, to the extent that it is reasonably possible, it is superior to avoid doubtful wealth altogether, though not obligatory.

If one is certain that a given source’s unlawful wealth exceeds the lawful portion, one is forbidden from dealing with the source unless one is certain that the very earnings one receives are from the lawful portion.

In determining the lawfulness of a source’s earnings, the recipient is only expected to rely on that which is reasonably apparent, such as publicly-available information, rather than attempt to uncover that which is hidden; it is neither recommended nor preferred to seek out information about the unlawfulness of a source’s earnings, though if one happens to learn something that was otherwise not apparent, one is expected to act accordingly.

7 Day Free Islamic Finance Course

Please enter your first name and email address to start receiving your CIFE™ lessons instantly!

We value your privacy. We will never rent, sell, or spam email addresses.

1,000+ scholar-approved answers and growing...

7 Day Free Islamic Finance Course

ASK AN ISLAMIC FINANCE QUESTION

SEARCH ISLAMIC FINANCE Q&As

What’s New at Ethica