Is it permissible for the poor person, who is physically and financially unable, to earn illicit money online to meet his basic needs such as food, drink, housing, and marriage, while donating any surplus beyond his needs?
It is not permissible for a Muslim to earn a living through unlawful means, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, Allah is good and accepts only what is good," and "No flesh nourished by unlawful earnings shall enter Paradise." Lawful means of earning are numerous for those who fear Allah. Poverty does not justify committing what is unlawful, for what is with Allah cannot be sought through disobedience to Him. This is unless a person reaches a state of dire necessity, in which case it is permissible for him to earn what removes that necessity if he finds nothing but what is unlawful, for Allah Almighty says: "But whoever is compelled, neither desiring disobedience nor transgressing, then there is no sin upon him."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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