Question:
Assalamu ‘alaykum.
There are some websites which pay those who answer their surveys. One can earn money or get a gift card from that site. Many times I have to lie to earn money on these sites. I want to know whether the income which is earned by lying in surveys is halal or not?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
The Income is Impermissible
No, lying on those surveys is not permissible. Any income you have earned from them has to be removed from your possession – even if you have spent it. You need to get the equivalent of what it was and give it to a poor person.
This is if you cannot return it to the company who gave it to you. Contact them first, and say you had a change of conscience. If they take the money back fine. Otherwise, give it to someone poor, even the gift cards. [Usmani, Fiqh al Buyu’]
Lying Is a Door to More Sins
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Indeed, lying leads to heinous sins (fujur) and heinous sins lead to the Hellfire. Verily, a person keeps lying until he is branded as a complete liar in the sight of Allah.” [Bukhari]
You do not want this. Make it a point to speak the truth. It has the opposite effect: it leads to Paradise.
May Allah makes us of those who are utterly realized in truthfulness on every level.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani