Taking money from workers in return for their employment


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Q: I obtained 12 visas to bring in workers from Pakistan. I submitted them to the bureau in charge in that country. This business bureau provided me with a place to live, expenses, and a car all for free in order to gain me as a future customer. They chose for me the workers I requested - numbering 12 workers - and paid me 12,000 Saudi riyals. I took them to Saudi Arabia but I feel doubtful regarding whether the money I received is lawful. I thought that most likely the owner of the business bureau took the money from workers and gave it to me to gain me as a future customer. I talked about it with workers; however, only two workers absolved me from responsibility. I could not talk to the other ten, for some of them traveled to addresses I do not know while others died while still under my sponsorship. I would like this case to be submitted to His Honor Shaykh `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz for his fatwa on it and to guide me as to how to dispose of the remainder, i.e. 10,000, in case it is ill-gotten money. Finally, may Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


A: You must repay the above-mentioned amount of money to workers or, if the this is unfeasible, give it in charity on their behalf. In fact, such money was taken from them unlawfully. (Part No. 14; Page No. 381) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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