Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah

Should i become a lawyer, is it permissible in Islam?

· 19 Jumada II 1441 AH2 min readFatwa 44279English

Question

My friend has been a lawyer for a couple of years now. I am also interested, However, there are pros but more cons in becoming one. I simply wanted to become a lawyer because its good money and I really want to assist people who are actually being oppressed behind the scenes. However, my parents and the community at large are giving me back lash saying lawyers are liars. There’s a bit of truth to this as there were cases where the Muslim family were correct in certain cases. However, the muslim lawyer on the opposing side won the case by lying. What do you suggest, should i go after such a career?

Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh

You state you want to become a lawyer because you are willing to assist people who are being oppressed.

Your intention is noble. However, the challenge is to be consistent in one’s intention. A lawyer represents his clients. A lawyer's representation of his clients will be governed by the Shariah laws of Wakalāh (representation).[1] It is permissible to become a lawyer and practice on condition he does not compromise on his religious principles and values.[2]

Hereunder are some important guidelines for a lawyer:[3]

1. If a person has committed an offence which is also regarded as an offence in Shariah, it is not permissible for a Muslim lawyer to defend such a person or plead his innocence.

Allāh says in the Qurān:

And do not be defendant to those that deceive (Surah an-Nisaa: 105)

However, it will be permissible for a lawyer to plead for a reduction of the sentence on genuine grounds.

2. It is not permissible for a Muslim lawyer to represent his client in claims that are against Sharīah for example, if the client claims interest.

3. A Muslim lawyer should not use prohibited means to advance his case like lying, perjury, bribery, etc.

4. When a Muslim lawyer signs or draws up contracts etc. he should not be aiding in sin and transgression in any way.

Allah says:

Help one another in acts of righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and transgression. (Surah al-Maidah: 2)

Our advice is you consult with appropriate people in choosing your career and thereafter make Istikhārah. Continue making Duā to Allāh to guide you to whatever is best for your Dīn and Dunyā.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

Akhyar Uddin

Student, Darul Iftaa

Buffalo, New York, USA

Checked and Approved by

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

وَلَا تَكُنْ لِلْخَائِنِينَ خَصِيمًا (سورة النساء: 105)

وَتَعَاوَنُوۡا عَلَى الۡبِرِّ وَالتَّقۡوٰى وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوۡا عَلَى الۡاِثۡمِ وَالۡعُدۡوَانِ (سورة المائدة:2)

فتاوی محموديۃ (ج16ص452) [1]

اگر سچے مقدمات ليتا ہوا اور کسي خلاف شرع امر کا ارتکاب اس ميں نہ کرنا پڑتا ہو وکالت جايز ہے

دار العلوم زكرياء(ج5ص712)

وکالت کا پيشہ في نفسہ جايز ہے ليکن خلاف شرع امور مين وکالت جايز نہيں ہے

درر الحكام شرح غرر الأحكام (2/ 282) [2]

اختاروا للفتوى أن القاضي إذا علم من الخصم التعنت في إباء الوكيل لا يمكنه من ذلك، ويقبل التوكيل من الموكل وإن علم من الموكل القصد إلى الإضرار بصاحبه في التوكيل لا يقبل منه التوكيل إلا برضا صاحبه، وهو اختيار شمس الأئمة السرخسي كذا في الكافي

فتاوى قاضيخان (3/ 3)

* وقال شمس الأئمة السرخسي رحمه الله تعالى الصحيح عندي أن القاضي إذا علم بالمدعي التعنت في إباء التوكيل يقبل ولا يلتفت إيه وإن علم من الموكل القصد إلى الإضرار بالمدعي ليشتغل الوكيل بالحيل والأباطيل والتلبيس لا يقبل منه التوكيل

فتح القدير (17/ 425)

وَإِنْ عَلِمَ مِنْ الْمُوَكِّلِ الْقَصْدَ إلَى الْإِضْرَارِ بِالْمُدَّعِي لِيَشْتَغِلَ الْوَكِيلُ بِالْحِيَلِ وَالْأَبَاطِيلِ وَالتَّلْبِيسِ لَا يَقْبَلُ مِنْهُ التَّوْكِيلَ

[3] (Contemporary Fatawa by Mufti Taqi Uthmani Saheb (146-147)

Answered by
Akhyar Uddin
Checked & approved by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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Source: Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah — https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/44279
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/askimam-44279

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