Educational content only. We analyze retail work through the lens of I'anah 'ala al-Ma'siyah (Assisting in Sin).
This is not financial, legal, or religious advice. Please consult a qualified scholar for your specific situation. We do not issue fatwas.
Retail is a common job for many Muslims. The dilemma usually arises in supermarkets like Tesco or Asda: Is it Halal to check out items if the customer is buying alcohol or pork alongside their bread and milk?
Scholarly consensus overview
1. The 'Majority Rule'
Scholars generally look at the Core Business. If a shop sells exclusively Haram items (e.g., a betting shop or a designated wine merchant), working there is impermissible.
However, if the shop is a general grocery store (Supermarket) where the majority of goods are permissible (Halal), working for the company itself is permitted. The issue then becomes your specific role.
The 'Majority Rule' Check
Most scholars apply the principle of "Majority" or "Core Business". A supermarket sells mostly food (Halal), but some alcohol (Haram).
Minority Harm Element
If it is a general supermarket (Tesco/Asda) where >50% is Halal food, many scholars permit working there generally, but advise avoiding direct handling of the specific Haram items if possible.
2. Handling Alcohol & Pork
The Prophet (SAW) specifically cursed ten categories of people regarding alcohol, including the one who sells it and the one who carries it.
This makes the Checkout (Till) role problematic. If you scan the bottle, are you the "Seller"? Many scholars say yes, and advise Muslims to avoid this role. Some scholars allow it under strict necessity (Darurah) if you do not physically carry the item, or if it is a minor part of a large transaction, but caution is best.
"Can I call a Supervisor?"
The Prophet (SAW) cursed the one who sells, carries, or serves alcohol. Direct handling is the red line.
If your manager allows you to ring a bell or ask a colleague to scan the wine bottle, this removes the direct "selling" action from you. This is a safer workaround.
If you are forced to physically scan and sell the alcohol yourself, you fall into the category of "Seller". This income is contaminated.
3. Safer Departments
If you work in a supermarket, you don't have to be on the till. Requesting a transfer to a department that deals only with Halal goods removes the doubt entirely.
Store Navigation Map
A supermarket has many departments. Your income purity depends on your specific station.
Bakery / Produce
Handling bread, fruit, and veg. 100% Halal handling.
Stock Replenishment (Dry Goods)
Stacking cereals or toiletries. Safe from impurities.
Checkout (Till)
High risk of scanning pork/alcohol. Avoid if possible.
Summary
- Supermarkets are okay: Generally permissible companies as they feed the nation.
- Avoid the Till: Scanning alcohol puts you in a grey area of "selling" Haram.
- Choose Safe Zones: Stacking shelves or working in the bakery is 100% Halal.
Transparency
How we wrote this
We referenced the well-known Hadith on the "10 Cursed Categories" of alcohol and contemporary fatwas regarding supermarkets.