Ijaarah

Non-Muslim co-workers listening to music

Q: I work with non-muslims where we sit four in a room. They have a radio and music is played for the entire duration of the day. This off course has a huge affect on my concentration, ability to perform zikr and on my heart as I do not listen to music Alhamdulillah. This at times becomes intolerable but I cannot do anything about it as this will not be understood by anyone. I so desire to find myself in a work environment where it is peaceful and where the praises of Allah Ta'ala can be made in abundance. What is my position and your advice. Please make dua for me for Allah Ta'ala to change my condition. Ameen.

Working in a mixed environment

Q: I have been offered a job as a mail sorter with a postal company. I will simply order and arrange post, letter and parcels and check the postage has been paid. But some women work there although they work in a different section so I would not have to look of mix with them at all, they also play music in the background. Is this a halaal job? Please note that I live in the UK and most jobs here contain some haram things like alcohol, haram foods, haram clothes, gambling, riba, free mixing, Christmas, easter gifts cards and presents. I am very poor so I can't do hijrah to a Muslim country and my mother is forcing me to do this job as we are in need.

Holiday pay

Q: I worked for an organisation. Every year the organisation offers 6 weeks holidays at the end of the year. My six weeks holidays finished on the 26 January 2015. In the first week of December I gave my resignation that I will not be coming back to work next year (meaning from my new work year, from the 26 January). The organisation considered it and accepted my resignation on the 31 december 2014. They paid me until December. My argument with them is that they were supposed to pay me until the end of my holidays which is the 26 January 2015 as the holidays are always counted as paid. Is this correct?

Painting the premises before leaving

Q: I used to work for an organization. The organization used to house all employees in flats or apartments. The rent as well as the levy, water and light bills used to be paid by them. It is stated in the lease contract of the apartment that upon leaving, the tenant should get the place painted. The organization did not mention to me, when I moved in, that I will have to bear the cost of the painting. To me, it was understood that the organization will bear the cost of painting the apartment as they used to bear all other costs. Is the cost of painting my responsibility or the responsibility of the organization?

Working as an accounting technician

Q: I would like to know if the job as an accounting technician with the following duties is permissible or not:

Duties :

1. To prepare and examine vouchers.

2. To input and verify records.

3. To process payroll and arrange for payments of salaries and deductions.

4. To write cheques, seek signatures and ensure dispatch by registry.

5. To collect and examine revenue and make remittances to the bank.

Renting a house

Q: We have seen a house, which we like to rent, but we found out that the last people who rented this house were prostitutes! Is it alright to move there and read prayers in there?