What is the ruling on opening a store to rent video tapes, including those that are indecent, those that are purposeful, and children's cartoons? Is it obligatory to close these stores, or can they be utilized? What is the ruling on the money earned from them? Is it permissible or forbidden? What is the ruling on an employee working there?

It is not permissible for a Muslim to work for wages in a job that involves disobedience [to Allah], due to the words of Allah the Almighty: (And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression). Selling film and TV series tapes is forbidden because they contain indecency and corruption. Every contract involving sin is invalid, and its earnings are unlawful, due to the words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "And indeed, when Allah forbids a thing, He forbids its price."

If the shop owner limits himself to selling beneficial tapes, then it is permissible for you to work with him. If he cannot do so and insists on selling forbidden tapes, then he must close the shop, and it is not permissible for you to remain with him in it.