Dodging the Law
Muslim scholars have 2 opposite views on congratulating and joining non-Muslims on their religious feasts. The first view considers it forbidden. The other sees it permissible if they are at peace with Muslims
Dodging the Law
Similar Questions
Breaking the law;
Wilful breach of the law;
Disregarding the law.
The Issue
Some Muslims in minority communities are ready to dodge laws or public regulations when there is need, even when such laws and regulations are not contrary to Islamic law. A case in mind is a Muslim who signs the rent agreement of a flat or house in his own name on behalf of someone else who does not meet the conditions of the owner.
Ruling
It is not permissible to dodge the law or circumvent regulations in this way when a Muslim is committed to them and there is no difference if the other party to the contract is a Muslim or a non-Muslim. This is the view of the Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa in Saudi Arabia, Shaikh Muhammad ibn Uthaimeen and the General Secretary of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America.[1]
Evidence
The Prophet says:
‘Three qualities mark out a hypocrite: he lies when he speaks; he breaks his promise; and he is untrue to his trust.’
(Related by al-Bukhari, hadith No. 33; Muslim, hadith No. 59)
Islam attaches great importance to contracts and there is no difference when a contract is made with a Muslim or a non-Muslim.
God says:
‘Believers, be true to your contracts. Lawful to you is the [flesh of the] beasts of cattle, other than that which is announced to you herein. But you are not allowed to hunt while you are in the state of consecration. God decrees what He will.’
(5: 1)
He also says:
‘Be true to all your promises, for you will be called to account for all that you promise.’
(17: 34)
The other party to a contract has made it with a Muslim on the basis of commitment.
Such action includes deception and telling lies. These are certainly forbidden in Islam.
Sources
Fatawa by The Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa.
Fatawa al-Aqaliyyat al-Muslimah, by a group of scholars.
references
- Fatawa by the Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa, vol. 23, p. 448; Ibn Uthaimeen, Fatawa al-Aqaliyyat al-Muslimah, p. 119; also, pp. 44–5.