Fatwaa ID: 1439

Question:
Assalamualaykum,

Before I became muslim, I worked as a waitress in a restaurant that sold alcohol and other haram things. I quit the job and since converting I have been paid two sums of money from the company. One payment was about 2 months after I quit for the holiday hours that I had acquired. Another payment came 7 months after I quit and I am not sure what this was for. I recently became aware that this is haram money that I need to give to charity. I have been giving optional charity since I became muslim before I knew I had to give away this haram money. If, for example, they paid me £1000 and I have already given away £500 in optional charity, can this count towards paying off the debt?

Thank you,

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

Your zeal to live a pure life is commendable. Your attitude will surely bring barakah and divine goodness in your life. May Allaah Ta’aala continue to bless you and keep steadfast upon the Deen.

In the enquired situation, you do not have to give away any of the payments you have received. That money is halaal for you. You may keep it. The laws of the Shari’ah were not applicable to you prior to you accepting Islam.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

12/18/1444 AH – 07/06/2023 CE | 365

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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