Daily Life and Social Conduct

Working as a Taxi Driver in Non-Muslim Countries

Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalī explains the ruling on working as a taxi driver in a non-Muslim land. He states that while migration to a Muslim country is obligatory if possible, earning a lawful living through taxi driving is permissible when migration is not feasible, provided the driver avoids transporting passengers to places of disobedience.

September 6, 2016

Questioner:

Is it permissible for a Muslim to work as a taxi driver in a non-Muslim land?

Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalī:

It is permissible for him (to work as a taxi driver). However, a Muslim (living) in a non-Muslim land, if he is able to migrate from the non-Muslim land, then it is an obligation upon him to do so. He (should) reside in the land of the Muslims so that he may establish the teachings of his religion.

However, if he cannot, and has not the ability (to migrate to the Muslim lands), then there is nothing (of sin) upon him to earn his living whilst he is around the non-Muslims, by way of driving a taxi, business or even hiring himself (working) for the disbelievers in order that he may earn a lawful living. There is no sin upon him (for doing as such).”

Student:

O’ Shaykh, what if the passenger asks him to drive him to a church or pub?

Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalī:

No! If he (the passenger or passengers) seek from him to drive to a place of disobedience in the religion of Islam, then it is NOT permissible for him (to do so). As for normal errands, (for example) to the market or the airport and so on, then it is permissible and (there is) no harm (in driving them).