Question:
I’m a Muslim from Latin America that accepted islam about 6 years ago. I started working in a U.S. based Oil & Gas company as a Database Administrator. I work here with sunnah clothing (thowbe and taqiyah), I have a long beard, and nobody here complains about that, alhamduliLlah. The issue is that sometimes I wonder if working in such a company is halal or not. We know that nowadays US goverment is one of the enemies of Islam, however this company is not owned by the goverment, it’s a private multinational oil and gas company that has offices and business worldwide, but it’s based in the US only.
I don’t think it means working for the enemies of Islam, but I don’t know. So I wanted your advise.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
It is encouraging to note your zeal and love for donning yourself with the sunnah of our blessed Nabī ﷺ. May Allāh Ta`ālā grant you steadfastness in the path of His Dīn and bless you with His proximity in this life and the hereafter. Āmīn.
In principle, it is permissible for a Muslim to deal with non-Muslims in terms of employment[1] on the condition that the job itself does not contain any elements contrary to the laws of Sharī`ah.[2]
Database administration typically involves collection and management of data stored in a data warehouse.[3] Since such a job does not entail any work that may be against the laws of Sharī`ah, it will be permissible for you to continue such a job.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Bilal Mohammad
Student Darul Iftaa
New Jersey, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
[1]وأما المعاملات فهي دائرة بيننا وبينهم فينبغي أن نتعامل معهم حسب ما تعاملنا بيننا في البيع والشراء والإجارة وغيرها سوي الخمر والخنزير فانهما مباحان لهم لا لنا
(نور الأنوار، ص ٦٤، مير كتب خانه)
[2] قال: وإذا استأجر رجل من أهل الذمة مسلماً يضرب لهم الناقوس فإنه لا يجوز لما ذكرنا
(المحيط البرهاني، ج ١١، ص ٣٤٧، إدارة القرآن والعلوم الإسلامية)
وإن كانت معصية كالنياحة والغناء فهو إجارة على المعصية، والإجارة على المعاصي باطلة.
(المحيط البرهاني، ج ١١، ص ٣٤٩، إدارة القرآن والعلوم الإسلامية)
وفي «العيون» : لو استأجر رجلاً ينحت له أصناماً أو يزخرف له بيتاً بتماثيل والأصباغ من رب البيت فلا أجر؛ لأن فعله معصية، وكذلك لو استأجر نائحة أو مغنية فلا أجر لها؛ لأن فعلها معصية. وفي «فتاوى أهل سمرقند» : إذا استأجر رجلاً ينحت له طنبوراً أو بربطا ففعل يطيب له الأجر إلا أنه يأثم في الإعانة على المعصية، وإنما وجب الأجر في هذه المسألة ولم يجب في نحت الصنم؛ لأن جهة المعصية ثمة متعينة؛ لأن الصنم لا ينحت إلا للمعصية أما في نحت الطبل والطنبور جهة المعصية ليست بمتعينة؛ لأنها كما للمعصية تصلح لغير المعصية بأن يجعل وعاء للأشياء.
(المحيط البرهاني، ج ١١، ص ٣٤٦، إدارة القرآن والعلوم الإسلامية)
[3] Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.
[“Database Administrators,” BLS, accessed May 07, 2015, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm]
A database administrator (DBA) is responsible for the performance, integrity and security of a database. They will also be involved in the planning and development of the database as well as troubleshooting any issues on behalf of the users.
A DBA makes sure that databases have the following qualities:
data remains consistent across the database;
data is clearly defined;
users access data concurrently, in a form that suits their needs;
there is provision for data security and recovery control (all data is retrievable in an emergency).
DBA roles vary depending on the type of database, the processes they administer and the capabilities of the database management system (DBMS) in use.
[“Database administrator – Job description,” Prospects, accessed May 07, 2015, http://www.prospects.ac.uk/database_administrator_job_description.htm]
Database administrators (DBAs) plan and build computer systems. They also make sure they are secure and working properly.
[“Database Administrators,” National Career Service, accessed May 07, 2015, https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/databaseadministrator.aspx]
