A Muslim friend of mine who has a jewellery shop has asked the following: (Please provide an answer; try to state adillah if possible)
In our shop, among the normal gold rings and necklaces, we also sell those that have Allah written on them, Christian crosses on them, Hindu symbols etc. Basically, we cater for all religions in our cosmopolitan area. Imam is what we’re doing permissible according to Islam?
Answer:
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
In the Holy Qur’an Allah has said:
“O people eat of what is in the earth permissible and good.” (Surah Baqarah v.168)
Sahl Ibn Abdullah has said salvation depends on three things eating halal, fulfilling obligations and following the Sunnah of the Prophet . (Maariful Qur’an p.419 v.1)
Allah has ordered us to eat from the things which are halal and good for us hence the income we earn should be lawful in order for our sustenance to be lawful.
Regarding your question, it will be permissible to sell gold necklaces with Allah’s name on. Gold is something which is unlawful for men to wear but lawful for women. The Islamic principle is that something, which may be used for lawful purposes, is permissible to sell. As these gold necklaces have a permissible aspect such as the women may wear it therefore, they are deemed permissible to sell. (Taqrir Tirmizi p.221 v.1 & Takmilah Fathul Mulhim p.551 v.1)
However, selling necklaces which have crosses on them or Hindu symbols will be unlawful.
Allah in the Holy Qur’an says:
“And assist one another in acts of righteousness and piety and do not assist one another in act of transgression and sin.” (Surah Maaidah v.2)
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.