Introduction
Is it prohibited in Islam for a Muslim to work or own a shop that sells pork and alcohol? This is a frequently debated question in contemporary society, particularly among Muslims who strive to adhere to the teachings of the Quran and the narrations of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Our discussion will explore the Islamic legal framework regarding these matters by referencing relevant Quranic verses and hadiths. We will also delve into the broader ethical implications of engaging in such businesses.
Islamic Prohibition on Pork and Alcohol
In Islamic law, known as Sharia, there is a clear prohibition on the consumption and trade of pork and alcohol. This is enshrined in the Quran and further elaborated upon by the hadiths and interpretations of Islamic scholars throughout history.
What is Haram?
In Islamic terminology, Haram refers to an act or thing that is forbidden by Allah and is a grave sin. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against aiding and abetting in anything that is prohibited by Allah, as it is sinful and leads to punishment.
As per the Quran, Allah emphasizes:
Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist one another in acts of sinfulness and transgression. (Quran 5:2)
Alcohol and Pork in the Quran and Hadith
The Quran explicitly prohibits the consumption and trade of alcohol and pork:
O you who believe! Intoxicants all kinds of alcoholic drinks and gambling and Al-Ansaab (idols) (erected in graves) and Al-Azlaam (sacrificial stones set up in high places) are an abomination of Shaytan's (Satan's) handiwork. So avoid them that you may be successful. (Quran 5:90)
Additionally, the hadiths provide further detail on the prohibition of alcohol:
“Allah has cursed alcohol the one who drinks it the one who pours it the one who sells it the one who buys it the one who squeezes the grapes etc the one for whom it is squeezed the one who carries it and the one to whom it is carried.” (Sahih Al-Tirmidhi)
And on pork:
“Allah has forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and woodland deities, and idols, and the names of other than Allah which were taken as intermediaries, and have been split up, and is lawful to you all that is beyond these. (Quran 2:173)
Legal and Ethical Obligations of Muslims
Given the clear prohibitions in the Quran and the hadiths, Muslims have a legal and ethical obligation to refrain from engaging in these practices and to avoid supporting businesses that engage in them. According to traditional Muslim scholars, engaging in or owning a shop that sells pork or alcohol is thus considered haraam.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also warned against aiding and abetting sin:
“Whoever deliberately aids in a sin or major wrongdoing is like the one committing it.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Therefore, Muslims are urged to solely leave these haraam activities and let Allah replace them with something better.
Conclusion
Based on the religious principles and teachings, Muslims are prohibited from engaging in any business related to pork and alcohol. The ethical and religious reasons for this prohibition focus on maintaining a clear separation from activities that are considered sinful and harmful, adhering to the guidelines set by Allah and His Prophet (PBUH).
For Muslims, choosing to follow these principles not only aligns with religious duty but also with the broader goal of leading a righteous and successful life.