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Is money earned from feigning mental illness to escape societal obligations and work in the West considered unlawful (haram) wealth, or is it a duty to be free from these conflicting obligations?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is not permissible to falsely claim mental illness to obtain welfare benefits without working, because it is a forbidden lie and an unlawful taking of people's money. Furthermore, whoever enters the lands of disbelievers under a covenant of security is forbidden from betraying them or taking their money unlawfully. The Muslim is commanded to fulfill covenants, as Allah Almighty says: (And fulfill every covenant. Indeed, every covenant will be questioned about) [Al-Isra: 34]. And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: (Whoever cheats is not of me). This false claim involves prohibitions and forbidden acts, and an ugliness that is unbecoming of a Muslim. The existence of impermissible aspects in jobs does not justify engaging in forbidden acts. The Muslim should seek lawful work and cooperate with other Muslims, and (Whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect).

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

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