It is permissible to a Muslim to work in the departments and institutions of a non-Muslim government such as the nuclear or strategic studies as long as this does not harm Muslims and is likely to bring benefit.

Working for the Government

Similar Questions

• Taking up jobs in government departments in non-Muslim countries;

• Government jobs.

The Issue

What is the ruling concerning a Muslim living in a Muslim minority country of taking up a job in a department or ministry of the government of that country, particularly if he works in a particularly important field such as the nuclear industry or strategic studies?

Ruling

It is permissible for a Muslim to work in the departments and institutions of a non-Muslim government if his work is likely to bring benefit and does not lead to causing harm to Muslims. This is the ruling of the International Fiqh Academy (Decision 23; 11-3).

Evidence

Normally any lawful work is permissible as long as it does not lead to something that is forbidden. Moreover there may be a need to work for such departments which, whether general or personal, is given the same ruling as necessity.

Sources

• Decisions by the International Fiqh Academy.

• Sulaiman Muhammad Topoliyak, Al-Ahkam al-Siyasiyyah lil Aqaliyyat al-Muslimah fi al-Fiqh al-Islami.

• Khalid Abd al-Qadir, Fiqh al-Aqaliyyat al-Muslimah.