Fatwa

Working on a student visa

Question

As-salamu alaykum,

I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. I have a question regarding my income as an international student in the US on an F-1 visa. I understand that working off campus is not permitted under this visa status. If I were to work off campus, would the income I earn still be considered halal? Additionally, would I be committing a sin by working off campus, and would this make me a sinner?

I want to mention that the money I would earn by working off campus would be used to finance the Hajj of my mother and to buy a car for my family.

Thank you for your guidance on this matter.

JazakAllah khair.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

The income will be halal. A Muslim avoids doing things that might create legal troubles for him.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Bilal Pandor

Concurred by
Mufti Muhammad Patel

Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah
Lusaka, Zambia

www.daruliftaazambia.com