Hello Doctor,

I have been working for a Non US Governmental NGO, that implements development projects in Afghanistan. I was told by one of my friends, that working in such companies is Haram in Islam.

Would you please reply me with the best answer? I support my whole family with my salary that I get from that Non US NGO.

Thank You

In hold of non_muslim,their US NGO,IT IS HARM for a muslim work wdh them,

Hello Shaheema,

Please explain why it is Haram, Thanks.

John

Assalam Alaikum

I work for a UK based NGO in Bangladesh. My project involves structural and non-structural work to manage the risks of natural disasters. As a muslim I know dealing in interest is haram so I opted for this project because this does not have any credit programme like most of the NGOs in Bangladesh who have a Micro-credit wing. So far I have been happy with my work but recently I am getting different thoughts.

I sometimes wonder whether the project is making any change in target community or it is just a superficial way to continue employment of so called disaster management experts who may have very good rapport with donors. To be specific, it's the accountability I am concerned about. I am bringing money for the poor but how much of that is actually reaching them. Because of this I feel my work could possibly be haram.

If you're being accountable and not dealing with interest, I do not see this is haram, whether it be for a US or a non US based NGO.

I hope people with more knowledge of Islam will contribute to this forum and help us

It is not interest being charged, it is business, there is nothing wrong with a business making a profit, and some business groups are more efficient than others. Also at times because of the Government structure, and even the religious ones, payments to those leaders are often done as part of standard business practice to help make business runs better.

It is most likely the fact it is a business operated by people outside your own nation that many people object to.

It would appear those who object are trying to use a religious belief to control political beliefs.