Business and Dealings

Q: I recently came across a website (www.justplay.co.za). on this website one can enter competitions by answering questions. the problem is that most questions are relating to insurance companies, etc.

Q: I have worked for a company in the accounting/audit field for over ten years. I wanted to leave a few years ago and start an accounting practice on my own, but I was constantly being held back. I was told by my employer that it is understood that certain clients who I have built up a relation with will want to leave that company and bring their work to me. He said that he will help me set up my practice and whatever assistance I require he will be there for me.

Now that I have finally decided to go on my own my employer tells me that I am not allowed to take any clients away from the company. When I mentioned to some of the clients that I was handling that I am leaving work and starting my own practice, they said they want to move their work to me. I told them that my employer said that I must tell them that I cannot take the clients over. The clients tell me that it is not the company's decision but theirs as they are the clients and they can decide who they want to give the work to. Some of them even said that if I wasn't at the company they would have taken their work away and some have also said that when I leave they will take their work away to another company in any way (if I'm not allowed to take on their work) so they can't understand why the company wants to dictate to them.

I wanted to leave on good terms as I enjoyed working for the company and I enjoyed a very good relationship with my employer. I would like to know if any of the clients approach me to do their work is it OK or is it wrong of me to do their work?

Q: Is it permissible to work in a research laboratory that involves organ donations? The laboratory conducts research on a disease that requires the post-mortem donation of brains. My position is to help increase awareness and facilitate such donations. Will this type of job be regarded as a halaal source of income?

Q: Is it permissible for me to accept a job with an Islamic bank (credit department- analysing client's creditworthiness and financials)? I am aware of the controversies surrounding the bank but I am also aware that certain Ulama have stated that it is permissable to work there.

Q: Can you suggest any dua wazeefah etc that will assist in me finding a suitable job.

Q: Is the business of cigarettes haraam?

Q: What's the position in Islam regarding the profession of a lawyer, and are his earnings halaal?

Q: Is it allowed for Muslims (be'd male or female) to practise jobs in the health field (such as: nurse, doctor, specialists etc.) where "skin contact" is necessary?

Q:

1. If women have gold, silver, and diamond crucifixes, aum, and Buddha jewellery before excepting Islam, what should they do with them? Should they have them melted and redesigned or should they bury them?
2. What is the punishment for Muslims selling jewellery for kuffaar religions?
3. Can Muslims wear jewellery that has the name of Allah and ayaat from the Quran in lockets when we don't have wudhu?

Q:

1. Is it permissible to take and give a bribe?
2. Is it permissible to bribe a person with R5000-00 in order to get one`s visa?