Refuting the doubt of 'Abd al-Rahman 'Abd al-Khaliq that one must inevitably encounter some forbidden matters in the course of life.

The Shaykh: Now, most Muslims say: "My brother, this is impossible; we cannot do anything but act this way; it is impossible." But when a person wants to fill his belly with what is forbidden and what is lawful, his actual earnings decrease. However, he forgets and turns a blind eye to the fact that this little amount contains blessing and is better than that large amount which was acquired through a forbidden path. Therefore, we must draw the attention of Muslims to faith in the unseen, and that I was, for about thirty years, a watchmaker, repairing watches and selling them. I never sold a single qirsh on credit, nor did I buy from merchants on credit. Whenever a small amount of money accumulated with me, I would buy two or three watches and display them in the shop. A person with money would come and buy them; if he did not have money, I would sell them to him. By Allah (Mighty and Majestic), He kept me alive and sustained me, despite not letting me die of hunger, because I did not use what the masses of people use. So the point is that this example follows the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: First, it pertains to the Muslim ruler who weighs matters with the straight balance and precision, and places things in their proper positions. This is one thing. And that it is broadcast to every Muslim, openly, that one must inevitably encounter some forbidden matters in the course of life, in earning a livelihood. This, and may Allah protect us, is one of the gravest errors committed by a Muslim brother, especially since he studied at the Islamic University. May Allah help us. I think the time has run long, so perhaps you will suffice with what ...

The questioner: ... some ... questions only, with very brief answers.

The Shaykh: How many questions do you have, in brief?

The questioner: ... We do not lengthen the answer.

The Shaykh: Okay, please, go ahead.