Question
Is it permissible to open a Barber Shop knowing that most of the hair that will have to be cut will not be permissible? Also, many a times the barber will be asked to shave or trim the beard.
Answer
A barber’s earning will be Halal, provided he only does what is lawful and permitted in Shariah. For example, cutting permissible haircuts and cutting the moustache etc. However, if he does what is unlawful and prohibited in Shariah, for example, impermissible haircuts and shaving or trimming the beard, he will be sinful and his earning will be regarded impermissible.
This is also assisting others in sin, which is prohibited in Shariah. Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran:
And do not assist each other in sin and transgression (oppression and injustice).
To cut the beard or to trim it less than a fist is prohibited and regarded as Gunaah-e-Kabeerah (grave and major sin). Likewise, it is prohibited to shave or trim someone else’s beard. Therefore, if one cannot observe the laws and restrictions of Shari’ah, one should refrain from opening a barbershop.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
فتاوی محمودیہ ۱۲۳ / ۱۷ط جامعه فاروقي
فتاوي دار العلوم زكريا 614-5/616 ط زم زم
شامي 6/360 ط سعيد
شرح الطريقة المحمدية 3/447
جدید معاملات کے شرعی احکام ۲۰۲-۳/ ۱
فتاوی ثانیہ ۱۷۲ ط العصر اکیڈمی