Preaching Islam While Doing Haram

Overseas students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours weekly in the UK. If I work 30 hours weekly in order to bear my living expense and continue studies, will it be illicit? Will it not be cheating on the Government? Many Bangladeshi students, my countrymen are actually doing it. Can I work in a shop where both Halal and Haram foods are sold because of dire need. I have an alternative of living in the UK, I can live in my own country, Bangladesh. But I am eager to stay in the UK and preach Islam. Can I try to keep staying here and working in shops of that kind?

Bismillah Rahman Raheem. Alhamdulillah Rabb Al-Alamin Was-Salatu Was-Salamu ‘Ala Rasul Al-Karim. Allahu 'Alim:

Truly, it is Allah who has all Knowledge and we have only that which Allah bestows on us. The best that I know on this subject might be:

When you enter a country and sign an agreement, you have the responsibility to uphold the agreement as much as you possibly can. This is an important part of Islam. Allah tells us, "O you who believe! Speak a word of truth even if it is against your family household or yourself." And also, "And always speak a word of truth."

What others do, does not excuse you for what you are doing. Islam teaches that none shall be asked about what others were doing. Haram and Halal are very serious issues. You should not work there if you have a choice. If you can live in a Muslim country rather than a non-Muslim country, then you should make this change as soon as possible, providing all things are as I understand them from you. But please consult a person of knowledge in your own area, Insha’Allah.

Preaching Islam while following the wrong way, doing Haram, breaking laws and cutting your beard, is not being true. This is 'Nifaq' or hypocrisy. And the hypocrites are the very worst in the Sight of Allah.

Again, Allah is the All-Knower. Any good is from Allah and the mistakes are from myself, may Allah forgive me, Ameen.

Sheikh Yusuf Estes