Is it permissible to continue working in forbidden (haram) things if that is the sole source of livelihood for a large family, accompanied by piety, prayer, and supplication for lawful (halal) provision?
It is not permissible for a Muslim to earn a living through unlawful means, due to the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "Indeed, Allah is good and accepts only what is good... Then he mentioned a man who undertakes a long journey, disheveled and dusty, raising his hands to the sky, saying, 'O Lord, O Lord,' while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and he has been nourished with unlawful things. How can his supplication be answered?" And also his saying: "No flesh nourished by unlawful earnings will enter Paradise, and any flesh nourished by unlawful earnings, the Fire is more befitting for it." Therefore, one must abandon the forbidden profession and trust that Allah Almighty will replace it with something better, for Allah Almighty says: "And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect." Supporting a family does not permit unlawful earning except in cases of extreme necessity, and in such cases, necessity is estimated according to its extent.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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