Q: We present to Your Eminence our question, hoping that you examine it well along with the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' and issue a prompt Fatwa on the following two matters:1- In the Governorate of Al-Dawasir Valley we are currently in the water melon season.2- A large number of farmers ask about this important matter, especially those who follow the Right Path, seek to follow the right conduct (Part No. 11; Page No. 71) and wish to absolve themselves of any blame for anything that is prohibited by Allah. The owners of the water melon farms use the following:1- Illegal hormones to increase production and fruit size and enhance their variety. The use of these hormones is harmful to humans and the Ministry of Agriculture and Water forbids their use.2- They use pesticides and fungal pesticides that are not permissible during periods ranging from one to three weeks before harvesting. Although it is obligatory for the farmers to refrain from using them during these periods, some continue to do so and harvest the fruit on the same or the next day.What is the ruling on using the above mentioned hormones and pesticides?And what is the ruling on the money generated from the sale of these fruits as mentioned?We hope that you will advise the farmers on this and other similar matters.

A: This practice is unlawful because it involves deceiving Muslims. It has been established that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "He who deceives us is not of us (is not my follower).'' Such conduct harms Muslims and whoever harms a Muslim Allah will harm him. Therefore, they are sinners and have committed a prohibited act and must be (Part No. 11; Page No. 72) punished for their deception. It is not lawful for anyone who knows the method of the cultivation of these fruits to merchandise or sell them, as this involves helping one another in sin and transgression. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. These farmers and others like them from among Muslims must fear Allah and help one another in virtue, righteousness and piety and keep away from that which leads to sin and transgression. They must seek lawful profit and income and refrain from what is prohibited, or else they will be blinded by the temptations of this world such as accruing wealth from any unlawful means. Small sums of lawful profit are better than large sums of prohibited profit. Muslims must inform the authorities of any person involved in this so that they may be punished since this is from among the Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) and therefore must be repudiated. Moreover, Muslims must urge one another to what is right, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, and advise others.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.