Receiving government benefits in Western countries

Question

Us-salaam mu alaikum, can Muslims get government benefits like Food Stamp, Housing Assistance from western governments like USA Canada etc.

— Zahra Syed, Illinois USA

Answer

Wa `Alaykum al-Salām

It is permissible for a Muslim to receive benefits from non-Muslim governments as long as the Muslim does not receive these benefits by way of deceit. ‘Imām Marghīnānī, upon him be mercy, writes:

فبأي طريق أخذه المسلم أخذ مالا مباحا إذا لم يكن فيه غدر

“Thus, by whichever way the Muslim acquires it (the wealth of a ḥarbī non-Muslim), he has acquired permissible wealth – as long as there is no deceit in it.”

[al-Hidayah, Kitāb al-Buyū`, Bāb al-Ribā]

However, it must be noted that in these times, many individuals lie and cheat in order to receive such benefits by which they avoid working to earn an income despite being blessed with the ability to do so. This is contrary to the sharī`ah and the character of a Muslim. The Noble Prophet, upon him be blessings and salutations, has stated:

الكاسب حبيب الله

“The one who earns is beloved to Allāh.”

[Tafsīr Rūḥ al-Ma`ānī, Sūrah al-Qaṣaṣ: 73]

Thus, the Muslim who is able to earn their income and livelihood shall do so and become a recipient of the divine love of Allāh Almighty. The benefits of the governments are for those who truly need them, and in the case that a Muslim does require them, he may receive them, and Allāh knows best.

Faqīr Sayyid `Abdul Ṣamad al-Qādirī · (may he be pardoned) · Muḥarram 14, 1446 AH