Q&A: WORKING IN A WINERY OR PORK SALAMI FACTORY

Q. Is working in a winery or a “salumificio” (a place in which pork-meat “salami” is produced) permissible for a Muslim? I’m not asking regarding the actual manufacturing/production of haram foods and drinks, but rather for example working as deliverer, ware-houseman or office worker/employee?

A. It is absolutely Haraam to work in a winery or a salumificio (cured pork meat factory). It is not permissible for a Muslim to handle liquor, pork or any Haraam item for that matter. It is Haraam for a Muslim to dedicate his time to a place or job which deals in Haraam. Furthermore, pork and wine are amongst the worst of Haraam things. How can a Muslim even think of working in such an environment which revolves around the filth of wine or swine?

Delivering pork or wine is also not permissible. This is aiding in sin which the Qur’aan explicitly prohibits. Likewise, it is not permissible to be a ware-houseman or office worker. The income of such a job is undoubtedly Haraam. A Haraam job does not produce a Halaal income. It is not permissible for a Muslim to assist in any way with items or products which are Haraam. The sin of wine and pork is so severe and it is so evil that the one who regards wine or pork to be Halaal, undoubtedly becomes a Kaafir. Thus, all employment scenarios related to wine and swine are Haraam. It is Haraam to work even free for them, as this is I’aanat A’lal Ma’siyat (assisting in sin).

MAY ALLAH GRANT US ALL THE TAWFEEQ TO PRACTISE ACCORDING TO THE SUNNAH. AAMEEN