Question

I managed a web project for a client, agreeing to hire a full-time team for a fixed monthly fee. I spent less on salaries and hired less people than promised (but I had an intention to hire more when needed). The client was unhappy with progress and stopped the project after two months. The client told me that he knows I lied but I didn’t accept it in front of him, and we reached an agreement to convert the remaining amount to credits for future work. I’m concerned if my earnings are halal since I didn’t fully disclose my actions but we reached an agreement. I’ve since spent majority of the income and invested some of it. I still have that investment. Is my income halal or should I give it back to client?

Answer

This would amount to acquiring money through lying and deception, or breaking a promise, which are major sins. The amount you are not entitled to is impermissible wealth. Thus, calculate the amount of your earnings you would have received had you not broken that promise. Thereafter, return the rest of the money back to the client.

الكسب (ص: 62): ثم المذهب عند جمهور الفقهاء رحمهم الله أن المكاسب كلها في الإباحة سواء قال بعض المتقشفة ما يرجع إلى الدناءة من المكاسب في عرف الناس لا يسع الإقدام عليه إلا عند الضرورة لقوله عليه السلام ليس للمؤمن أن يذل نفسه وقال صلى الله عليه وسلم إن الله تعالى يحب معالي الأمور ويبغض سفسافها والسفاف ما يذل المرء بخسته… ثم المذمة في عرف الناس ليس للكسب بل للخيانة وخلف الوعد واليمين الكاذبة

الفتاوى الهندية (5/ 154): وإذا كان في يد الدلال ثوب يبيعه فظهر أنه مسروق وقد كان رده إلى من دفع إليه فطلب منه المسروق منه الثوب فقال الدلال رددته إلى من كان دفع إلي برئ كذا في المحيط.

Answered by:
Ifta Research Fellow

Checked & Approved by:
Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Mufti Zubair Patel