Working for a company vs doing business

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Respected Brother,

There are two parts to your question which we will address separately.

1.     Working in MNC (Multinational Corporations)

There is no doubt that working in corporate environments that are devoid of Islamic culture pose many challenges that are detrimental to one’s Imaan. If an individual is unable to adhere to Islamic teachings in such environments then it is better to seek alternate employment in a more conducive environment, or to open one’s own business.[1]

2.      Which is better, business or job?

In principle, earning a livelihood is an obligatory requirement for a Muslim.[2] Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said, “

طلب كسب الحلال فريضة بعد الفرائض

Seeking a Halaal earning is an obligation after the (primary) obligations. (Bayhaqi)

Engaging in business or working independently and working for an employer are equally permissible.[3] A Muslim’s duty is to act in good faith with honesty and integrity and fulfil his obligations towards his business associates/employer.[4]

From the Ahadeeth mentioned below, we understand that engaging in business ethically and earning through manual labor (such as a skilled tradesman) are the best forms of earning.

a.     Rifaa’ah ibn Raafi’ Radi Allahu Anhu reports:

أَنَّ اَلنَّبِيَّ ‏- صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏-سُئِلَ: أَيُّ اَلْكَسْبِ أَطْيَبُ? قَالَ: عَمَلُ اَلرَّجُلِ بِيَدِهِ, وَكُلُّ بَيْعٍ مَبْرُورٍ

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam was asked, “Which means of earning is best?” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam responded, “A man (earning through) labor with his hands and every correctly executed sale.” (Musnad Bazzaar)

b.     Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, 

خَيْرُ الْكَسْبِ كَسْبُ يَدِ الْعَامِلِ إِذَا نَصَح

“The best of earning is the earnings of that worker who acts in good faith (i.e. Is honest, upright, does his work thoroughly and correctly).” (Musnad Ahmad)

c.     Mu’adh ibn Jabal Radi Allahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said,

إنَّ أَطْيَبَ الكَسْبِ كَسْبُ التجارِ : الذين إذا حَدَّثوا لم يَكْذِبوا ، وإذا ائْتُمِنوا لم يَخُونُوا ، و إذا وَعَدُوا لم يُخْلِفوا ، وإذا اشْتَرَوْا لم يَذُمُّوا ، وإذا باعُوا لم يُطْرُوا ، وإذا كان عليهم لم يَمْطُلُوا وإذا كان لهم لم يُعَسِّرُوا

“The most pure of earnings is the earnings of the traders; those who do not lie when they speak, and do not breach their trusts, and do not default on promises, and do not find unnecessary faults when purchasing, and do not overpraise (an item) when selling, and do not delay in settling their obligations and do not make it difficult for those who are obligated to them.” (Bayhaqi)

d.     Abu Sa’eed Khudri Radi Allahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, 

‏  التَّاجِرُ الصَّدُوقُ الأَمِينُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاءِ 

“The honest and trustworthy trader will be with the prophets, the truthful ones and the martyrs.” (Tirmidhi)

Furthermore, the benefits of running one’s own business or working independently as compared to employment are self-evident. Some of these benefits include:

-        Independence 

-        Flexibility – you are able to structure your day in a way that does not compromise your religious and family obligations.

-        Promote Islamic Values – as an entrepreneur or independent consultant or tradesman, a Muslim has better opportunities to promote Islamic values in their businesses, careers and transactions which is a form of Da’wah (inviting others to Islam).

-        Create opportunities for others – as a business owner, you are likely to employ others thereby assisting them to live respectfully and support their families.

-        Increasing Muslim Wealth – More Muslims owned businesses is likely to lead to an increase in Muslim wealth which ultimately leads to more Zakaat, Sadaqah etc. being donated. These donations assist the needy and further the noble objectives of Islam.

In conclusion, if the challenges you face in working in the MNC environment are negatively impacting on your Deen, it is better that you seek alternate employment, work as an independent consultant or consider opening your own business. This should be done after careful consideration, consultation and conducting market research and feasibility studies. 

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Safwaan Navlakhi

Student Darul Iftaa
Durban, South Africa 

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

(2021-04-11)