Date : 08-07-2010

Question :

What is the ruling of Sharia on working in the distribution of a newspaper, which could contain an ad for something unlawful, and I don`t wish to facilitate such a matter?

The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May Allah`s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.


Content of a magazine or a newspaper is of three types:


First: Content that adheres to the rules of Sharia and doesn`t include any unlawful matters. Such newspaper or magazine is permissible to buy, sell and work for.


Second: Content that contains unlawful matters and doesn`t adhere to the rules of Sharia and the code of morality. It is also filled with obscene images and wicked articles. Such newspaper or magazine isn`t permissible to buy, sell or work for.


Third: Content in which the lawful aspects (New, ads and different articles) outweigh the unlawful aspects, but could include obscene images or ads for matters that violate Sharia. It is permissible to buy, sell and work for such type because most of its content is basically lawful. As for the obscene images and ads, they are incidental matters. Thus, it is the responsibility of the people in charge of the magazine or newspaper since they have to make sure that all the content complies with the teachings of Sharia. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.