Permissibility in studying commerce subjects
Assalamualaikum. I’m currently a high school student and will be finishing my final year of school this year Inshallah. I have subjects like Business, Accounting & Economics as my A level subjects for school. I had some questions regarding this.
1) As these subjects involve teachings that are contradictory to Islam, such as interest etc. Am I sinful for taking these subjects? I could have selected other subjects but I went for these subjects as I wasn’t bothered about Islam previously. What should I do? What does Islam say regarding this? Can I study these subjects and get into other fields for job ?
2) In most examinations regarding these subjects we have to write answers explaining the advantages of taking interest, and exploitation of customers etc. These are against Islam and I personally don’t believe in any of it. But in the essay questions I have to write about it and even putting a disclaimer might affect my chances of getting a good grade or to even pass or create problems. What should I do in this regard? Am I sinful for giving exams like this?
3) I will be using these board examinations certificates for getting into university. Inshallah I will work as a teacher of maths or a network engineer in future, not related to any of the commerce subjects. Can I use these board examination certificates for university admission or any personal gain like getting into a job or any other thing ?
4) I have passed my 10th grade board examinations (O levels) with these commerce subjects (business, accounting & economics). I wrote statements about the benefits of interest and other things that are contradictory to Islam. Does it invalidate my examinations ? Can I use these certificates ?
I am having a very bad time dealing with these questions. Please do help me. May Allah bless you all.
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
We commend you for your zeal in knowing the Islāmic ruling before engaging in a subject. Kindly find hereunder the responses to your questions:
- Is it find to learn more details of actions that Allāh Ta’ālā has prohibited. We recommend that along with your studies, you should also read some books which illustrates and highlights the harms of these violations. You will then get more insight on why Allāh prohibited these actions.
- You may write and exam and also document possible benefits of these sins. The Qur’ān acknowledges that some sins have apparent benefits. However, you should conclude your article explaining the harms or touching on the negatives (as you mentioned: exploitation etc). It is not sinful to participate in such examinations.
- Yes, you may use those certificates for attaining a job or for any other gain.
- No, it does not invalidate your examinations. Yes, you may use those certificates.