Working in A Company that Manufactures unlawful Products Like Cigarettes

Question :

I used to work in a very difficult and demanding job; I couldn't continue there so I looked for a job that was less fatiguing and laborious. The only job I ended up finding was for a company that manufactures cigarettes. I have been working there for a few months; however, I do not smoke any type of cigarettes. I am sincere and dedicated to my job. What is the ruling concerning the salary I receive from working for this company? Is it lawful or unlawful?

Answer:

You are not permitted to work in this company, because A producing, buying, and selling cigarettes is unlawful. By working for this company, you are helping them in their unlawful activities. Allâh Almighty says in His Book:
"Help you one another in virtue, righteousness, and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression."

Your remaining in that company is unlawful; your salary that you receive from it is also unlawful. You should repent to Allâh Almighty and you must leave that company. A small salary that is derived through lawful means is always better than an excellent salary derived through unlawfully: the person who earns his income unlawfully will never be blessed in his wealth. If he gives some of it in charity, it will not be accepted from him, and if his family inherits it from him, he will be held accountable for it.

Know that the Prophet ﷺ said,
"Indeed, Allah is Tayyib (good), and He doesn't accept other than what is good."

Indeed Allâh ordered the believers with the same command He gave to the Messengers:

"O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibat [all kinds of lawful (legal) foods), and do righteous deeds. Verily! I am Well- Acquainted with what you do."

And:
"O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with, and be grateful to Allah, if it is indeed He Whom you worship".

In one Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned a man who was unkempt and dust-covered because of a long journey; he would raise his hands to the sky and say, "O Lord, O Lord." However,.his food and clothing were unlawful and he was sustained by what is unlawful. After mentioning this, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"How can his prayers then be answered!".

The Prophet ﷺ seemed to rule out the possibility that this man's prayers would be answered, despite the fact that he did what was required in terms of supplicating to Allah Almighty for his needs. But this is because his food was unlawful, his clothing was unlawful, his drink was unlawful, and his nourishment was unlawful. If it is unlikely that this man's prayers are answered while the causes of a supplication being answered are present, then it is obligatory for one to beware of consuming what is unlawful and to stay away from it.
"And whoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine."

"And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him."

My advice to you then, my brother, is to fear Allâh Almighty, to quit your job with this company, and to seek sustenance that is lawful, so that Allah Almighty will bless you in that sustenance.