Working at check-out counters

Question:

Assalamu Alykum Sheikh, Is it lawful to work at the check-out counters in a supermarket that sells both lawful and unlawful products?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Wa Alykum Assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to that which is pleasing to Him.

Working at a store that trades in mostly lawful business is permissible, providing that your duties don’t directly assist in sinning. If you can relegate the unlawful transactions to others (non-Muslims) or arrange with your employers not to be involved in unlawful transactions, you should do so. If you cannot deflect unlawful tasks, you should seek alternative employment and leave the current job as soon as you find it.

For as long as you actively seek alternative employment, your income (assuming you cannot fulfill your basic needs without it) is lawful because of the necessity.

And Allah knows best

Mufti Umer Farooq Saleem