BENEFIT 473: A Salafi Remains a Salafi — Even at Work!

Question: I am a brother who loves the Salafi da‘wah, and I am currently working in a supermarket in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, the store sells cigarettes. My employer recently asked me to work at the computer, although I have been working in the store for over four years as a regular worker. I stipulated to him that I would not directly sell cigarettes. If a customer requests cigarettes, I either call another worker or tell the customer that there are no cigarettes. Am I sinful for this? What do you advise me to do? If I leave this job, I may not find another one for some time, and my family resides in Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Najeeb Ash-Shar’abi ḥafidhahullāh: If a customer asks you for cigarettes and you reply, “There are no cigarettes,” while they are in fact available in the store, then you are lying. It is also not permissible for you to direct the customer to another worker to purchase cigarettes, as that would be cooperating in sin. Instead, say: “I do not sell cigarettes” — in this case, you are being truthful. If the supermarket owner agrees to this arrangement, then it is permissible for you to continue working there. Strive to maintain this stance while seeking something better, and may Allāh grant you an improved opportunity. As for working on the computer, you would likely be required to enter data related to cigarette sales, which is not permissible. Therefore, you should remain in your original position under the stated condition. May Allāh relieve your hardship and make matters easy for you. Source: https://t.me/qweasdzxcmnblkjpoik/3745