Fatwa: # 16070
Category: Business Matters
Country: Singapore
Date: 21st January 2008

Title

I'm working in software development company which focus on developing softwares for 'Derivatives & commodities Back office solutions

Question

I'm working in software development company which focus on developing softwares for 'Derivatives & commodities Back office solutions' & 'Margin Financing for Eqtuties'. Those softwares will be sold to banks. And we need to support and amend some transactions includes Interest transaction time to time. You've given Fatwa that 'Derivatives is haram' . So is it permissible to work in this software developement company?

Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh

The ruling regarding working in the software development company mentioned in the query will depend on the nature of the company:

·        If the sole purpose of the company is to develop software for Banks and other unislamic financial institutes, then it will be haraam (impermissible) to work for such a company.

·        If the company develops all kinds of software and also develops software for banks and other unislamic financial institutions, then it will makrooh tahrimi (very undesirable) to work for such a company.

(Jawahir al-Fiqh Vol.2 Pg.459-462 – Maktaba Dar al-Uloom Karachi)

In both cases, it will be advisable to look for another job which is Shari’a compliant. However, you could continue with your present job until you find a suitable job and keep repenting to Allah Ta’ala for being involved in something impermissible.

And Allah knows best

Wassalam

Ml. Abu Yahya,
Student Darul Iftaa

Checked and Approved by:

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa

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