What is the ruling on the monetary or in-kind aid that needy Muslims receive from disbelievers? Is it forbidden or lawful?
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The questioner : It is well known that if a thing is forbidden, then the wealth earned from it is also considered forbidden. For example, intoxicants are forbidden, so the wealth resulting from their sale is also forbidden. Accordingly, a large artistic event was held in Europe and in many Muslim countries, through which funds were collected to buy food for the victims of famine in Africa. There is no doubt that this event includes forbidden things. Based on what we have mentioned, is this wealth and this food considered forbidden? Likewise, is the monetary or in-kind aid that needy Muslims receive from non-Muslims forbidden or lawful?
The Shaykh : The matter is as the questioner mentioned: anything earned through forbidden means is forbidden, and it does not benefit the one who earned it. If he spends it, he will not be blessed in it; if he gives it in charity, it will not be accepted from him; and if he leaves it behind, it will be a provision for him to the Fire.
As for the person to whom that thing is given, it is not forbidden for him. This is because the prohibition applies to the earning, not to the item itself. Anything that is forbidden to earn is forbidden only for the one who earns it. As for the one who takes it from this earner through a lawful means, it is not forbidden for him.
As for what is forbidden in itself, it is forbidden for the earner and for others. For example, if you know that this thief stole this item from so-and-so, it is not permissible for you to take this stolen item... except if you take it to rescue it and return it to its owner. In that case, it becomes obligatory for you to do so if you are able to do so without harm to yourself.
Likewise, the aid obtained from non-Muslims for Muslims is permissible to accept, provided that it does not involve the humiliation of Muslims. If these disbelievers donate these funds to humiliate Muslims, subjugate them, and keep them under their mercy, then that is not permissible. In fact, it is not permissible for a Muslim to humiliate himself, especially before the enemies of Allah, the disbelievers.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : The matter is as the questioner mentioned: anything earned through forbidden means is forbidden, and it does not benefit the one who earned it. If he spends it, he will not be blessed in it; if he gives it in charity, it will not be accepted from him; and if he leaves it behind, it will be a provision for him to the Fire.
As for the person to whom that thing is given, it is not forbidden for him. This is because the prohibition applies to the earning, not to the item itself. Anything that is forbidden to earn is forbidden only for the one who earns it. As for the one who takes it from this earner through a lawful means, it is not forbidden for him.
As for what is forbidden in itself, it is forbidden for the earner and for others. For example, if you know that this thief stole this item from so-and-so, it is not permissible for you to take this stolen item... except if you take it to rescue it and return it to its owner. In that case, it becomes obligatory for you to do so if you are able to do so without harm to yourself.
Likewise, the aid obtained from non-Muslims for Muslims is permissible to accept, provided that it does not involve the humiliation of Muslims. If these disbelievers donate these funds to humiliate Muslims, subjugate them, and keep them under their mercy, then that is not permissible. In fact, it is not permissible for a Muslim to humiliate himself, especially before the enemies of Allah, the disbelievers.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.