سوال

3. What is the Islamic ruling on remaining in the United Kingdom unlawfully and working without legal authorization, or entering another country illegally,

residing there, and earning a livelihood?

اَلجَوَابْ بِاسْمِ مُلْہِمِ الصَّوَابْ

If a person's legal right to remain in a country has expired, then deliberately residing there unlawfully and engaging in employment or business in violation of the law is not permissible according to Islamic law.

It should be noted that compliance with government regulations in matters that do not conflict with the Shariah is obligatory, and violating such laws is blameworthy and sinful. Furthermore, residing unlawfully in another country exposes a person to the constant risk of arrest, detention, deportation, humiliation, and, in some cases, even danger to life. The Shariah prohibits a person from exposing himself to humiliation or destruction.

As for one's earnings, if the employment or business is lawful according to the Shariah, then the income earned from it is also lawful. However, the sin of violating the law and breaching the agreement remains, and it is difficult to expect divine blessing (barakah) in wealth acquired through an act of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.

 On the other hand, if the employment, business, or its very subject matter is intrinsically unlawful according to the Shariah, then the income earned from it is also unlawful.

(عمدۃ القاری:8/ 413)

فالبرکۃ تحصل فیہ بالکیل لامتثال امر الشارع واذا لم یمتثل الامر فیہ بالاکتیال نزعت منہ لشوؤم العصیان.

القرآن الكريم

{وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا } [البقرة: 275].