Types of halal work

This section brings together the guides on the nature of work itself: knowing whether a role is compatible with Muslim ethics, understanding your rights in the workplace and finding a path that suits your profile. The pages are grouped by theme below.

Judging whether work is lawful

Scholars generally look at several factors: the employer's main activity, the task given to the employee, their degree of involvement in what is forbidden and whether there is a genuine need. An accountant at a transport company is not in the same position as a waiter who has to serve alcohol. For a step-by-step approach, start with the guide explaining how to assess a job, then consult the list of jobs considered haram or doubtful. Personal cases are a matter for a qualified scholar.

Rights at work

Prayer, fasting during Ramadan, religious holidays, wearing a religious symbol or refusing a task are all governed by each country's employment law. In Europe, religious discrimination is prohibited, but employers may, under certain conditions, impose rules on neutrality or safety. The guides in this section describe the general principles and official remedies, without amounting to legal advice.

Profiles

Apprentice or work-study student, someone without qualifications, a woman who wears the headscarf, an Arabic speaker, a French-speaking expatriate or a parent looking for work from home: each situation opens up different options. These pages suggest accessible jobs, training and realistic job-search advice.

Working from home in particular appeals to people looking for more flexibility: writing, translation, web development, bookkeeping, online tutoring or selling handmade products. These activities require good organisation and caution about offers that look too good to be true, which are common in this field.

Starting a business

Setting up your own business lets you choose your products, your partners and your financing. The guides on trade, marketing, branding and start-ups set out the steps, the useful skills and the points to watch, particularly interest-free financing. To discover opportunities by field, see also the halal job sectors.