Ruling on selling textbooks that contain pictures
Question I have a bookstore in which I sell textbooks. Sometimes we find some books contain pictures that are not compatible with Islamic teachings, so we feel uncomfortable about selling them. What is the ruling on these sales? What is the ruling on selling books of philosophy?. Praise be to Allah. Firstly: There is nothing…
Question
Praise be to Allah.
Firstly:
There is nothing wrong in principle with selling books of
knowledge, even if it is not Islamic knowledge such as fiqh, hadeeth and
tafseer; rather it is sufficient that these books should not contain things
that are contrary to Islam and go against its rulings and etiquette.
With regard to textbooks that are used by students and
universities, the need for them is greater. As for what these books contain
of pictures that are not compatible with Islamic teachings, as mentioned in
the question, if the pictures are few and are not sought in and of
themselves, rather the purchaser buys the books because of the beneficial
knowledge they contain, such as medical textbooks in which there are
illustrations or books that explain by means of pictures, there is nothing
wrong with buying and selling these, in sha Allah, because of the general
need for them and the difficulty of avoiding the pictures they contain.
But if the seller knows that a specific purchaser is only
buying the book because of the pictures in it, then he should not sell it to
him.
See the answer to question no.
138655
Secondly:
With regard to books of philosophy, if they are textbooks
required as part of the curriculum, there is nothing wrong with selling them
to those who need them for their studies, in sha Allah. Similarly, it is
permissible to sell them to one who it is thought most likely will benefit
from what is in them and is safe from any confusion they may cause, or he
will benefit others by teaching and warning against what the books may
contain of things that are contrary to Islam.
The seller does not have to probe deeply into the intention
of each purchaser; rather it is sufficient for him to act upon what he
thinks most likely to be the case and what appears to be the case.
And Allah knows best.
