Is it permissible to enter the field of law, or is it not?

The Shaykh : And based on that, we ask: Is it permissible to enter the field of law, or is it not? The answer is: If the lawyer’s intention in practicing law is to defend this minor in his defense, and he does not speak except with what is right, then there is nothing wrong with it; there is nothing wrong with entering it. But if he wants to exploit money and bring up arguments even if they are false, then this is forbidden, and it is consuming money by falsehood. Are those who enter the field of law of the first type or the second type? Of the second type. Yes, of the second type: those who enter the field of law for the sake of prevailing so that they can obtain money. This is forbidden and not permissible. For this reason, you will find that some lawyers, when a case arises, become among the most knowledgeable people. They review every book in Islamic jurisprudence, the books of the people of the Zahir school, the books of analogical reasoning and reports, and they derive deductions from the Qur'an that are far-fetched, and likewise from the Sunnah, all for the sake of—yes, for the sake of—proving their point. I have even seen once a lawyer’s case file where he cited even logical principles, meaning he became a logician. Glory be to Allah. If their intention is to obtain money, they are wrongdoers. But perhaps I know that this poor defendant is a weak man who cannot defend himself, so I say, “Hire me to defend you out of mercy for his condition.” This is permissible. Yes.

The questioner : In every country, O Shaykh? Even the countries that rule by other than what Allah has revealed?

The Shaykh : Yes, if he wants to reach his goal by right or by falsehood.

The questioner : But, O Shaykh, they bring up Article such-and-such and Article such-and-such, relying on them.

The Shaykh : That does not contradict [the ruling], but is it right? No. If it is right, there is nothing wrong with it.