What is the ruling of Islamic Law on working for a trading company that operates with margin and leverage, where the nature of the work involves assisting with technical issues, such as opening and closing accounts, and sometimes providing translation services?

 

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

Islam forbids any work that directly facilitates what is haram (prohibited). Allah Says (What means): "And do not cooperate in sin and aggression". [Al-Ma'idah/2]. However, work that does not directly aid in haram is, in principle, permissible. Al-Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: "It is narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) borrowed thirty measures of barley for his family from a Jewish man named Abu Al-Shahm after returning to Medina from the Battle of Tabuk. He pledged his shield as collateral, valued at 400 dirhams. This narration provides several lessons, including that it is permissible to engage in transactions with someone whose wealth includes both halal (permissible) and haram (impermissible) earnings, as long as the specific source (whether halal or haram) is not known. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) dealt with a Jewish man, and it is known that Jews permit the selling of alcohol and practice usury." [Al-Majmu' Sharh Al-Muhadhdhab, Vol. 13/P.178].

Forex trading companies often engage in activities that involve several Islamic prohibitions. Therefore, it is not permissible to work in roles that directly facilitate haram activities, such as translating their websites, opening client accounts, or programming electronic trading systems. However, roles that are not directly connected to haram activities are permissible. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.