Question:
I drive an auto-rickshaw. I am not a fisherman. But I have joined the Fishermen’s Society, and I receive free financial assistance. Is that permissible?
Answer:
He is driving an auto. Because it is a coastal area, there is a society for fishermen. Those who are members receive certain benefits. From what he says, they provide various forms of assistance. He is not a fisherman, but he asked to be included and joined. After joining, he receives the benefits meant for fishermen. But those benefits are specifically allocated for fishermen.
How do they identify a fisherman? Is it written on his forehead? Can you tell by looking at him? If I go and catch fish, I become a fisherman. If I stop fishing and take up another job, I am no longer a fisherman. Being a fisherman depends on the occupation. It is not hereditary. Just because one’s father was a fisherman does not mean the son must be one. Likewise, even if one’s father was not a fisherman, he can become one.
If the society allows anyone who engages in fishing to join, and you say, “I also catch fish,” and join, then you ask whether you can take the benefit.
The first principle in religion is that you must not deceive. If there is assistance meant for auto drivers, you may take it because you are an auto driver. But if funds are allocated specifically for fishermen because their income is unstable—during monsoon, storms, fishing bans, breeding seasons when fishing is prohibited for months—they may have no income. The government may provide financial assistance considering these hardships.
If assistance is given specifically for fishermen and you yourself admit you are not a fisherman, how can you take it? The Messengerﷺ of Allahuﷻ said: “Whoever deceives us is not one of us.” Why are you deceiving? You should instead say, “I am not a fisherman; cancel my membership.” You must not take that money.
The Qur’an and Hadith speak extensively against fraud and betrayal of trust. Therefore, do not take such assistance. Do not even join. I know there is temptation when money is involved, especially if it seems free, even if it is government money. If the government gives general family assistance of, say, one thousand rupees per month to everyone, you may take it. But if it is allocated specifically for farmers, you must be a farmer to take it. Otherwise, you are reducing the share of an actual farmer. Even if it is not strictly allocated, why lie and take something not meant for you?
It is wrong. Allahuﷻ will question you. Fraud is a sin. Do not desire unlawful money. Leave it.