What is the ruling on opening a store to rent out video tapes, including those that are indecent, those that are purposeful, and children's cartoons? Is it obligatory to close it? What is the ruling on the money earned from it and the ruling on the work of an employee in it?

It is not permissible for a Muslim to work for hire in a job that involves disobedience to Allah, based on the Almighty's saying: (And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression). Selling tapes that show movies and TV series is forbidden due to the indecency, immorality, and corruption of morals they contain. Any contract involving a sin is void, and its earnings are unlawful, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Indeed, when Allah forbids something, He forbids its price." If the shop owner restricts himself to selling beneficial tapes, such as educational ones and purposeful children's programs, then it is permissible for you to work with him; otherwise, it is not permissible for you to remain with him in the shop.