Maula-e-Kainat, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) and taking care of poor in Islam

Ameer al-Momineen, Imam Ali (as), during his Caliphate (Khilafat),
would often undertake tours to survey the markets. He (as) used to
walk in the markets alone, with no escort, no servant and no companion
and advice and guide the traders there. He (as) had a very soft corner
in his heart for old, weak, infirm, disabled, orphans, poor and
children were alwayshis favourites.
It was the hottest day of the season, Commander of the Faithful, Moula
Ali (as) had finished his noon-prayers in the mosque and was passing
through the bazaar; he noticed that a little girl was weeping. Moula
Ali (as) asked her the reason for her tears at which sheexplained: "My
master had given me a dirham to purchase some dates. Ipurchased them
from thistrader here, but when I returned home, my master did not
approve of them. Now I wish to return them but the trader refuses to
take them back."
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) accompanied the little girl to the trader
and said to him, "This little girl is a slave girl and has no
authority of her own. Take back the dates and return the money to
her."
The trader was a new comer to Kufa and did not recognize Maula Ali
(as) and was rude to him,some passerby intervened and told him who
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) was.
The trader's face went pale as he stood flabbergasted. Trader
immediately took the dates from the little girl and handed back the
money to her. Then, turning to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as), he
implored, "O' Ameer al-Momineen (Commander of the Faithful)! Be
pleased withme and forgive me."
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) replied, "I shall only be pleased with you
when you change your behaviour for the better and pay close attention
to morals and courtesy."
The owner of the slave girl had also heard the news of this incident
andran to meet Moula Ali (as)to apologize for the trouble caused by
the slave girl. Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) told him:
You have no mercy for a person who is under your power and cannot
forgive her mistake, haveyou a right to expect Mercy and Forgiveness
from the Lord? You people have acquired nothing from Islam but its
name.
Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (as) and taking care of Helpless in Islam
One day Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (as)saw an old woman
carrying a heavy load of firewood which she could ill afford to lift,
she was tottering under the weight. Maula-e-Kainat, Imam Ali (as)
relieved herof her weight carried it to her hamlet and on her request
lighted her oven for her and gave her some money also. Old woman did
not know who Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) was and was thanking him for
his kindness when a neighbour entered the hamlet, recognized ImamAli
ibn Abu Talib (as) and told her, who he was, only then she realized
that who had served her like an obedient servant was the Caliph and
the king of a fast growing kingdom.
Only after Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib's (as) death the world came to know
thathe had provided a shelterfor a leper in an advanced stage of the
disease. The shelter was outside the town, he used to go there daily,
dress his wounds, feed him with his own hands (because the leper had
lost his hands), wash him,put his bed in order and carry him out of
the shelter for little time, so that he may get fresh air.
Accidentally relatives andfriends of Moula Ali (as) came across this
shelter and found a leper in it, learned his history and told him Imam
Ali ibn AbuTalib (as) was martyred and they had just then buried him.
The news so affected the poor cripple that he died on the spot.
Ameer al-Momineen as Stranger: Taking care of orphans and widows in Islam
Tired and exhausted withthe water skin on her back, she was gasping
and going towards her house where innocent children, their eyes fixed
at the door, were eagerlywaiting for the arrival of their mother. On
her way,stranger man approached her. He took the water skin from her
and placed it on his back.The door opened and thechildren saw their
mother entering the house with a stranger. Heplaced the water skin on
the ground and said:
"Well, it seems you don't have anyone to fetch water for you; how
comeyou are so forlorn?"
She replied: "My husbandwas a soldier; Ali sent himto the frontier
where he was killed. Now I am alone with these small children."
Stranger said no more. Bowing down his head he went away. But the
thought of the helpless widow and orphans remained in his mind. He
could hardly sleep in the night. Early in the morning he picked up a
basket; put some meat, flour and dates in it; went straight to her
house and knocked at the door.
"Who are you?"
Stranger replied: "I am the man who brought your water yesterday. Now
I have brought some food for the children."
"May Allah bless you and judge between us and Ali."
She opened the door. Entering the house stranger said: "I wish to do
some good acts. Eitherlet me knead the flour and bake the bread or
allow me to look after the children."
"Very well, but I can do the job of kneading and cooking better than
you. You take care of the children till I finish cooking."
She went to knead the flour. Immediately he grilled some meat, which
he had brought and fed the children saying to each child while putting
morsel in his mouth: "My son, forgive Ali if he has failed in his duty
towardsyou."
The flour got ready; she called: "Gentleman! Put fire in the oven."
Stranger went and put fire in the oven. When flames rose up, he
brought his face near thefire and said, "Taste the heat of fire. It is
the punishment for those who fail in their duty towards orphans and
widows."
By chance, a woman from the neighboring house came in. Recognizing the
stranger,she cried: "Woe, don't you recognize the man who is helping
you? He isAmir al-Muminin (commander of the faithful), Imam Ali ibn
Abu Talib (as)."
The widow came forward and shamefacedly cried:"Curse and shame to me.
Ibeg your pardon."
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) replied, "No, I beg your pardon for I
failed in my duty towards you."
Maula-e-Kainat, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) and theAstrologer
There are some who are heedless with respect to reflection, reasoning
andTawakkul (Absolute Trust), and instead, turn to soothsayers and
astrologers, who have cleverly started their business in order to
swindle the people of their money.
Of course, the issue of Aulia Allah (Friends of Allah) and those, who
have strived towards spiritual purification, differ vastly from the
others, for their words are light (nur) and if, at times, they were to
say something to someone, itwould surely occur and hence such
personalities should not be compared to the others.
As an example, we shall present an incident that transpired during the
time of Maula Ali (as). Ameer al-Momineen, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as)
and his army had started out for the battle of Nahrawan against the
Kharjites (Kharjite means one who rebels against religion), and having
reached the city of Madain, they pitched their tents. The next
morning, as they were about to commence theirjourney, an astrologer
approached them and said: "My astrological calculations reveal that it
is not in your interest to advance in this hour. Commence your journey
after three hours and youshall be victorious."
Hearing this, Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as)
said:"Whoever upholds your words has rejected the Noble Qur'an of
Allah (SWT)."
Surely Allah is He with Whom is the knowledge of the hour, and He
sendsdown the rain and He knows what is in the wombs; and no one knows
what he shall earnon the morrow; and no one knows in what land he
shall die; surely Allah is Knowing, Aware. NobleQur'an (31:34)
Moula Ali (as) then asked:"Do you possess knowledge as to which family
has taken over thereins of leadership in China?"
The astrologer replied: "I have no knowledge."
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) questioned: "What is that star, which when
rises, stirs up lust within the camels?"
The astrologer confessed:"I have no idea."
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) asked: "The rise of which star stirs up
passion within the cats?"
The astrologer said: "I do not know!"
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) asked: "Inform me of the thing that is
concealed beneath the hoofs of my horse."
When the astrologer had once again pleaded ignorance, Imam Ali ibn Abu
Talib (as) said to him:"Within the earth, below the feet of my horse,
lies a jar filled with gold coins and beneath which a serpent lies
asleep."
When the place was dug up, the people witnessed that the scenario was
exactly as it had been described by Imam Ali ibnAbu Talib (as).
Observing this, the astrologer was totally bewildered; Imam Ali ibn
Abu Talib (as) took possession of his books, ordered them to be
destroyed and then said to him: "The next time you try to attract the
people towards yourself by means of astrology; I shall put you behind
bars."

Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) and his two servants: Qambar and Saeed

After the martyrdom of Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as), Qambar, servant
of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) related that he very seldom had the
occasion to serve his master. Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) used to
do his work for himself, used to wash his own clothing, used even to
patch them whenever needed. He would draw water from the well for his
daily use. Imam Ali ibnAbu Talib (as) would give them good food and
decent dresses, and would himself eat and dress like a very poor man.
Let alone whipping or beating he never evengot angry with us. He never
used a cane even on his horse, camel or mule. These animals apparently
understood his mood and desire and would trot and walk as he wished
them to do. His often used phrase with them was "go easy child".
Continuing Qambar said:
Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (as) and saving wealth (money)
Once and only once ImamAli ibn Abu Talib (as) got annoyed with me. It
was the occasion when I showed him the money that I had hoarded. It
was from my share of income given to me like others from the State
Treasury (Baytul Mal) andthe gifts I had received from the members of
his family. I had no immediate use of it and had collected the amount.
It was not much,being barely 100 Dirhams. When I showed him the amount
he looked annoyed and what pained me more helooked very sad. I
enquired as to why he was so sad, he said:"Qambar, if you had no use
of this money, were there not people around you who were in need ofit,
some of them might have been starving and some ill and infirm,
couldyou not have helped them. I never thought that you could be so
heartless and cruel, and could love wealth for the sake of wealth."
Qambar I am afraid you are not trying to acquire much from Islam, try
more seriously and sincerely. Take these coins out of my house. I took
them out and distributed them amongst the beggars in the Kufa mosque.
Is Money is everything?
Some people say 'Money is everything'. It will be advisable for such
peopleto consider the followingfacts:
"Money will buy a Bed but not sleep, Books but not brains, Food but
not appetite, Finery but not beauty, Medicine but not health; Luxuries
but not culture, Amusements but not happiness, Passport to every where
but not Heaven".
Ameer ul Momineen, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) and Generosity
At another time, Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) was returning from a
journey with a string of camels fully laden with goods. On the way a
beggar asked for a piece of bread. Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) ordered
hisbeloved servant Qambar to give some bread to thebeggar. Qambar
started searching for bread. Aftera few moments Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib
(as) asked about the delay. Qambar said, "I am looking for the bread."
Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) said, "Give the bagger the camel which
carries the food." After a while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) again
inquired about the delay. Qambar replied, "I am searching for the
camel carrying the food." "Give the whole caravan," Imam Aliibn Abu
Talib (as) ordered.
Qambar hurriedly jumped off from the camel and handed the reins of the
whole caravan to the fortunate beggar.
Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) smiled at the agility of Qambar and
asked him, "Why did you jump so quickly and handover the reins in such
haste?" Qambar replied,"Master, you are in such amood that on account
of a little delay, you gave away the whole caravan. I was afraid if
there was some more delay, you might give me away also with the
caravan. You will get a thousand slaveslike me, but where will I get a
master like you?"
Ameer ul Momineen, Imam Ali (as) and Gift giving etiquette in Islam
One day our first Imam, Ameer ul Momineen, Imam Ali (as) went to the
market with his servant, Qambar. There he boughttwo shirts, one which
was really nice and expensive and the other which was not as nice.
When Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) returned home he gave the better
shirt to Qambar and kept the other one for himself.
Qambar told Ameer ul Momineen, Imam Ali (as) that it would look better
if he wore the nicer shirt as he was the leader of the Muslims
(Commander of the Faithful) while Qambar himself was only a servant.
Imam Ali (as) answered that Qambar should wearthe nicer shirt because
hewas younger and so it would suit him better; but more importantly
Ameer ul Momineen, Imam Ali (as) told him that he was a guide for the
Muslims and so had to set a good example forthem by leading a simple
life.
Saeed, another servant ofAmir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) says,
It was a very hot day, Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) was writing some
letters, he wanted to send me to call some of his officers, he called
me, once, twice and thrice and each time I purposely kept silent
anddid not reply. Imam Ali (as) got up to go himself and saw me
sitting not very far away from him. He (as) asked me as to why I did
not respond to his call, I replied: "Master,I want to find out when
and how you get angry." A smile played on his lips and he replied:
"You cannot rouse my anger with such childlike tricks, and then he set
me free and kept on supporting me till me death."
Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) amongst his subjects
When Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) was comingto Kufa, he entered the
city of Anbar populated by Iranians. The Iranian farmers were very
happy to see their beloved caliph, Ameer ul Momineen passing through
their town. Theycame to his visit. When it was time for Imam Ali (as)
to leave, they started running in front of his horse. Amir al-Muminin,
Imam Ali (as) inquired about this behavior.
"This is one way that we extend respect to our leaders and respectful
individuals. This is our custom that has been practiced for years."
Ameer ul Momineen, Imam Ali (as) said: "This behavior puts you in
discomfort in this world, and brings about humiliation in the next
world. Always stay away from practices that humiliate you. After all
what benefit is there in such a practice to the recipients?"
Haris-ibne-Shohail, one of the governors of the provinces, was in
Kufa, once he was riding through the city and saw Imam Ali ibn Abu
Talib (as) also riding. He got down from his horse to accompany Amir
al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) on foot. Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali
(as)stopped his horse and said. "It is ill for a man to lower himself
before anybody but his God, please get upon your horse, even had you
not been an officer of the state I would not have allowed you to lower
yourself like this, the sight of such humiliation of man before man
neverpleases me. It is the worstform of tyranny which can be
practiced."
Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (as) was passing through Ambar,
with his army. The rich men of the province, as was the custom of
those times, came out to greet him. They offered the best Persian
horses as presents, and requested his permission to act as hosts to
his army. Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) met them very courteously, but
very politely refused to accept the gifts and the invitation, saying:
You have paid your taxes,to receive anything morefrom you, even when
youoffer it voluntarily and willingly, is a crime against the state.
But when they persisted and pressed their request, Amir
al-Muminin,Imam Ali (as) ordered that the horses could be accepted
against their taxes, and so far as the feast was concerned it must be
paid out of the war expenses.
Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as) and rights of Companionship
In those days, Kufa was the capital and center of the Islamic
Government. All eyes of the vast and wide Muslim nation (withthe
exception of Syria) were fixed at this city waiting for orders to be
issued and decisions to be taken.
One day outside the city two gentlemen, a Muslim and the other from
people of the Book (Jew or Christian) met on the road. The Muslim was
going to Kufa and the other gentlemen to another place nearby. Since a
part of their journey was common, they decided to travel together.
On the way, they talked and talked on, various topics of mutual
interest and ultimately arrived at the point where their paths
separated. The non-Muslim was surprised to see that his Muslim
companion did not take the path leadingto Kufa but accompanied him on
the other path, where he was going. He asked: "Well, did not you say
you were going to Kufa?"
"Yes" Muslim said.
"Then why are you coming this way? The other one is the path to Kufa."
"I know. I want to walk a few steps with you to seeyou off as our
Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said, 'whenever two persons travel together
on the same path, they establish reciprocal rightsupon each other'.
Now you have got a right upon me and for the sakeof that right I wish
to walk a few steps with you, and then, of course, I shall return unto
my own path."
"Oh! Such an authority and power which is wielded among people insuch
a perfect way by your Prophet Muhammad(saw), and the amazing speed
with which his religion has spread in theworld, must be, I am
sure,because of his such noblecharacter."
The surprise and admiration of this non-Muslim reached its peak when
he learnt afterwards that his Muslim friend was Amir al-Muminin, Imam
Ali (as),the Caliph of that time. Soon after he embraced Islam and was
counted among the most devout and self-sacrificing companion of Amir
al-Muminin, Imam Ali (as).
Maula Ali (as): Taking care of old age people in Islam
The old man, a Christian by religion, had worked all his life; but had
not been able to save anything for his old age. Lately he had also
become blind. Old age, poverty and blindness had joined hands and he
had no other way except begging. He used to stand at the corner of a
lane for begging. People had compassion for him and gave him some alms
from which he ate every day, and so he continued his sad life.
One day Ameer ul Momineen (Commander of the Faithful) Maula Ali (as),
passed through the lane and saw the beggar in that condition. Imam Ali
(as), out of his concernfor others, enquired about the old man. He
wanted to know the factors which led him to that condition. "Has he no
son to support him? Or, is there no other way for him to live a
respectable life in his old age?"
The people who knew the old man came forward and informed Imam Ali
(as) that he was a Christian and had worked hard so long as he had his
eyes, and when young and strong. Now that he had lost his youth as
well as his eyes, he was unable to do any work; also he had no
savings, so it was natural for him to beg. Mawla Ali (as) said,
"Strange! Till hehad strength, you extracted work from him and now you
have left him on his own?"
His story shows that he had worked when he had the strength.
Therefore, it is the duty of the Government and the society to support
him till he is alive. "Go, and give him a life pension from the State
Treasury (Baytul Mal)."

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
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How can he advise someone who is falling short with regard to prayer?

How can I call someone to pray who, even though he knows that it is
obligatory, does not do it sometimes? I wouldlike you to tell me some
simple phrases that haveto do with this question, and some phrases
that will warn of punishmentand encourage seeking reward.
Praise be to Allaah.
You can remind this person and advise him by explaining the ruling on
not praying, and on not praying in congregation in the mosque, and
explain how the early generations of Muslims were with regard to
prayer.
The ruling on not praying:
In a number of questionswe have explained that the one who does not
pray is a kaafir who is beyond the pale of Islam; no good deeds will
be accepted from him on the Day of Resurrection; and his marriage
contract with his wife must be annulled if she does pray. This one who
does not pray should also understand that any meat slaughtered by
himcannot be eaten; and (if he dies) he cannot be washed, have the
funeral prayer offered for him, or be buried in the Muslim graveyard.
It was narrated from Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allah be pleased with
him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him) mentioned a dream that he had seen and said: "Last night two
people came to me and said, 'Let's go,' so I went with them. We came
to a manwho was lying down, with another man standing over him,
holding a big rock. He threw the rock at the man's head, smashing it.
The rock rolled away, and the one who had thrown it followed it, and
picked it up. By the time he came back to the man, his head had been
restored to its former state. Then he (the one who had thrown the
rock) did thesame as he had done before. I said to (my two
companions), 'Subhaan Allaah! What is this?' They said to me: Move
on…"
At the end of the hadeeth, he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him) said: "They said to me: 'The first manwhom you saw with his head
being smashed with the rock, is the manwho learned the Qur'aanthen
abandoned it, and he went to sleep, neglecting the obligatory
prayers.'"
Narrated by al-Bukhaari,6640
Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazi said:
I heard Ishaaq – i.e., ibn Raahawayh – say: It was narrated in a
saheeh report from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him) that the one who does not pray is a kaafir. It was the opinion of
the scholars from the time ofthe Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah
be upon him) that the one who deliberately does not pray, without any
excuse, until the time forthe prayer ends, is a kaafir. The time for
the prayer ending means delaying Zuhr until sunset and Maghrib
untilsunrise.
Ta'zeem Qadr as-Salaah, 2/929
For the ruling on the onewho does not pray, please see the answers to
questions no. 7864 , 5208 and 2182
With regard to praying in congregation in the mosque:
Just as the prayer is what differentiates between the Muslim andthe
kaafir, praying in congregation is the sign that differentiates
between the believer and the hypocrite. The Sahaabah (may Allah be
pleased with them) regarded the one who did not attend prayer in
congregation as a hypocrite whose hypocrisy was known.
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him) was asked:
I am a young man, not married, and I pray but not continually, i.e., I
do not always offer the prayer on time, and sometimes I miss the
prayers for a whole day, or I do them all together.What is the Islamic
ruling on that?
He replied:
The Muslim is required to offer the prayers regularly on time, with
the congregation of Muslims. It is not permissible to delay the prayer
until its time is over. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation
of the meaning): "Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at
fixed hours" [an-Nisa' 4:103], i.e., it is enjoined at specific times,
at which it should be offered. According to a report: "Allah has deeds
at nightthat He does not accept during the day, and deeds during the
day that He does not accept at night." Delaying the prayer until the
time for it is over is neglecting it. Allah, may He be exalted,says
(interpretation of the meaning): "Then, there has succeeded them a
posterity who have given up As-Salat (the prayers) (i.e. made their
Salat (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not
offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed
times, etc.) and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell,
except those who repent…" [Maryam 19:59,60].
Putting two prayers together is not permissible, unless thereis a
legitimate shar'i excuse at the time of one of them, such as putting
Zuhr together with 'Asr, or Maghrib together with 'Isha'. But putting
the prayers of anentire day together is not permissible and prayers
are not valid if done in this manner.
Al-Muntaqa min Fataawaal-Fawzaan, 5/56, 57
You will find the evidence for prayer in congregation being obligatory
in the answers to questions no. 120 and 8918 .
With regard to how the early generations of Muslims were with regard
to praying in congregation in the mosque:
They regarded it as something of the utmostimportance, to which they
paid a great deal ofattention and were keento offer the prayer in
congregation in the mosque even if they hadexcuses not to do so.
Wakee' ibn al-Jarraah said, narrating from al-A'mash Sulaymaan
ibnMahraan: al-A'mash was nearly seventy years old but he never missed
the first takbeer.
Muhammad ibn al-Mubaarak as-Soori said: If Sa'eed ibn 'Abd al-'Azeez
al-Tanookhi missed the prayer in congregation, he would weep.
It was narrated from Muhammad ibn Khafeef that he had a pain in his
side that, when it affected him, prevented him from moving. But when
the call to prayer was given, he would be carried on a man's back. It
was said to him: Why don't you take it easy onyourself? He said: If
you hear (the words of the adhaan), Hayya 'ala as-salaah (come to
prayer) and you do not see me in the row (of worshippers), then look
for me in the graveyard.
'Aamir ibn 'Abdillah ibn az-Zubayr heard the mu'adhdhin when he was
dying and he said: Hold my hand (and take me to the prayer). It was
said: You are sick. He said: I can hear the callerof Allah; should I
not respond to him? So they took him by the hand and he joined the
imam in praying Maghrib; he prayed one rak'ah then he died.

Can he sell an item to someone who pays for itwith a cheque from a riba-based bank?

I work in a company thatsells electrical items as a sales
representative. When I sell to the customer, he gives me a bank
cheque, and each customer writes a cheque from a different bank,
either riba-based or otherwise. Then I givethe cheque to the accounts
department, and they transfer it to the company's account in their own
bank. My question is: is dealing with these cheques regarded as
participating in or helping to perpetuate riba in those banks, or
consuming people's wealth unlawfully, or supporting the banks?.
Praise be to Allaah.
There is nothing wrong with accepting the payment from the purchaser
in the form of a cheque, even if it is from a riba-based bank, and
there is nothing wrong with dealing with riba-based banks incases of
necessity to protect money if there isno Islamic bank, subject to the
condition that themoney is put in non-interest-bearing accounts in
those banks. Please see the answer to question no. 22392 .
Engaging in transactionswith people who deal with riba or put their
money in riba-based banks is permissible. That is indicated by the
reports which prove thatthe Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him) and his Companions engaged in transactions with the Jews in
Madinah although they, as Allah, may He be exalted, has told us,
consume unlawful wealth and take riba.
It is permissible with youto sell to this customer who deals with
riba, even if he pays from his riba-based account or with a loan that
he took from a riba-based bank.
Giving the cheque to theaccounts department and transferring the money
to the company or to the bank used by the company is not regarded as
recording or writing down riba; rather it is writing downand recording
the price that was taken in a permissible and Islamically acceptable
manner. It makes no difference whether the purchaser pays for it in
cash or with a cheque.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: It is
permissible to engage intransactions with a person who deals with
riba, but those transactions should be done in a proper manner. For
example, it is permissible to buy from this man who dealswith riba, if
the product is bought from him in return for money, and it is
permissible to take a loan from him, and thereis nothing wrong with
that. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to
engage in transactions with the Jews even though they consumed haraam
wealth, and he accepted gifts from them and he accepted their
invitations. He sold to them and bought from them. He accepted their
gifts, as in the story of the Jewish woman who gave him a (roasted)
sheep on the day of the conquest of Khaybar. And he accepted their
invitations, as he accepted the invitation of a Jewish boy in Madinah.
And he boughtfood for his family from a Jewish man and gave him his
shield in pledge, and he died when his shield was still being held in
pledge.
To sum up, if a person earns money from haraam sources, and youengage
in a permissible transaction with him, there is nothing wrong with you
doing that.
End quote from Fataawa Noor 'ala ad-Darb
And Allah knows best.