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What are the limits of permissible dealings under Sharia law when establishing a web design and software company in Europe, given that most clients are non-Muslims, regarding the following: 1. What is the ruling on hosting websites that contain images of exposed women or music, taking into account the legal and social restrictions that prevent imposing religious conditions? 2. Is it permissible to sell software that may be used for permissible or impermissible purposes (to non-Muslims), and is continuous religious oversight required for the use of this software? 3. Is it permissible to deal with American financial companies of Zionist origin to collect funds electronically, in the absence of other alternatives? 4. Is it permissible to work in an electronic solutions design company where a Muslim programs the non-forbidden parts, and others (non-Muslims or morally corrupt Muslims) program the other parts?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is not permissible to aid in forbidden acts, for the means are judged by their ends, and every means that leads to something forbidden is itself forbidden, in accordance with the verse: (And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression). This includes selling or renting anything used in disobedience, whether to disbelievers or disobedient individuals, such as enabling them to display裸照 and music.

As for software systems, it is permissible to deal with disbelievers regarding them if it is possible to monitor them and stop whatever is used in forbidden ways. Otherwise, it is forbidden to sell them to those who are highly likely to use them in a forbidden manner.

The general principle is the permissibility of dealing with Jewish commercial companies unless their activities involve a forbidden religious act, such as usury or selling something whose use is forbidden, like alcohol or weapons against Muslims.

Programming permissible parts is allowed, as is selling them, provided there is no strong suspicion that the buyer will develop and use them in forbidden ways. A Muslim must strive for lawful earnings, for what is with Allah is not sought through disobedience.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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