Q 1: My father's earnings are ill-gotten. He wants to build up a trade for me based on this illicit money. Is it permissible for me to purify my trade from ill-gotten money through its profits? It is worth mentioning that I have only accomplished the preparatory stage and I did not want to learn any profession.

A: First, Allah (Glorified be He) legislates for Muslims to deal with each other through lawful contracts such as, sale contracts, Ijarah (a lease for a lawful identified use or a hiring agreement), Salam sale (sale with advance payment), partnership, and so on, as this is for the people's interest. Second, Allah (Exalted be He) has prohibited some kinds of contracts because of the harmful effects they contain, such as, usury contracts and commercial insurance. He (Exalted be He) has also prohibited some sales such as, musical instruments, selling wine, hashish and tobacco because of their harmful effects. A Muslim should follow the lawful ways for living and gaining money and avoid illicit money and all the forbidden ways. When Allah (Exalted be He) knows that His (Part No. 13; Page No. 42) servant has a truthful intention and is determined to follow His Shari`ah (Islamic law) and the guidance of His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), He will facilitate everything and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. It has been reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever abandons something for Allah, Allah will replace him with something better than it. Therefore, you should not build up trade with unlawful capital, whether this money is yours or your father's. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.