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Q: I read Fatwa no. 204 in 9/2/1402 A.H. in a book entitled “Fatawa Islamiyyah (Islamic Fatwas)”, vol. 3, p. 351, on the subject of working in restaurants that serve alcohol and pork. I live in France and I am married and have children. The following is a description of my problem: There is hardly any work here, but this is not a valid justification to save me from my Lord’s Punishment. The biggest misfortune is that I live in a non-Muslim environment. For example, it was only after long hard struggle that my wife started to perform Salah (Prayer) and observe Sawm (Fast). I do not think that she will ever be convinced if I tell her the truth, and that she will accept and be happy with Allah’s Rulings; this would surely lead to divorce and the destruction of my family. The law in this country gives custody to the mother, and I am afraid that my children would leave their father’s religion. My question is: Should I leave my job working in a factory that processes pork and other things, even if it leads to divorce or can I continue working here? Please benefit me and may Allah benefit you and grant us all success!

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, it is not permissible for you to continue in this job, as it falls under the heading of cooperating in sin and transgression, which Allah forbade saying (what means): (Part No. 14; Page No. 437) Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. We advise you to look for another job, acting upon Allah’s Promise: And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. Anyone who gives up something for Allah’s Sake, Allah will compensate them with something better than it. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.