Grand Ayatollah Shirazi remarks on involvement of Muslims in some jobs in non-Islamic countries

The daily scholarly meeting of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Sadegh al-Hosseini al-Shirazi was held on Wednesday, the eighth of Shawwal. In this session, like the previous meetings, the Marja answered the questions of the attendees about various jurisprudence issues.

In relation to the ruling on the involvement of some Muslims in non-Islamic countries in jobs such as the police, the army, and politics, or running as candidates in elections, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi said: This issue depends on the interests of Muslims, and the ruling can be different based on the job case or the individual. Therefore, if in some cases, attaining such jobs serves the interests of Muslims, then, there is no problem and it is permissible, and in some cases, it is even obligatory.

With regards to entering such occupations in non-Islamic countries against the interest of Muslims, his Eminence said: If entering such occupations is not in the interest of Muslims, and perhaps a Muslim person is included in a certain group and party that is detrimental to Muslims, then, it is not permissible to occupy these jobs.

The Supreme Marja went on to say: As the ruling on this issue can vary depending on the circumstances, every person who decides to occupy such jobs can determine whether his presence in these jobs is beneficial or harmful for the interests of Muslims.

Regarding the ruling on occupying some positions and engaging in activities in a government whose ruler is a tyrant, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi said: Entering some occupations and activities where a tyrannical ruler is at the head of affairs follows the same ruling and depends on the individual circumstances of the case, and sometimes it is permissible and sometimes not.