Question:
If a muslim is in the freight business, I would like to know if it is permissible in Islam for storing alchoholic drinks (cases of beers) in a warehouse.
Answer:
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
In principle it is not permissible for a Muslim to have any dealings directly or indirectly with wine or any substance which would intoxicate or cloud the mind.
Allah Ta‘ala mentions in the Holy Qura’an:
O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks) … are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. [1]
It is narrated on the authority of Ibn Umar Radiyallahu Anhuma that the Prophet Sallalahu Allaihi Wassallam mentioned;
“Truly Allah Ta‘ala has cursed Khamr (wine) and he has cursed the one who produces it; the one for whom it is produced; the one who drinks it; the one who serves it; the one who carries it; the one for whom it is carried; the one who sells it; the one who earns from the sale of it; the one who buys it and the one for whom it is bought.”[2]
Hence in light of the above, it will not be permissible to under take such contracts in a freight business, one should look at other alternative contracts and earn a halal source of livelihood.
And Allah Ta‘ala knows best
Mufti Luqman Hansrot
Fatwa Dept.