What is the ruling on a freelance translator translating texts related to commercial insurance companies and the alcohol industry, and translating documents that indicate an individual's contract with a commercial insurance company for travel if he is compelled to do so? And is he required not to accept such translations in the future, and what should he do with what he earned from them previously?
It is impermissible to translate prohibited contracts, such as those related to alcohol and commercial insurance, because it constitutes aiding in what is forbidden. However, translating certificates and similar documents for a permissible purpose, even if it mentions that the owner contracted with a commercial insurance company, is permissible. If the translator knows the impermissibility of translating prohibited contracts, he must dispose of the money earned from it by spending it on the welfare of Muslims. But if he was ignorant of its impermissibility, he is not obliged to dispose of it, based on the Almighty's saying: "So whoever receives an admonition from his Lord and desists, he may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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