Boycott Israel: Is It Halal? A Mufti’s Insightful Analysis on Taking a Stand

Some say that boycotting Israel is not permissible in Islam. Let’s find out what a Mufti says about this big question. Dive into a straightforward discussion on how our faith guides us in making choices that matter—not just for us, but for justice around the world, particularly in Palestine. 

What is the Islamic ruling on boycotting certain companies and/or entities which are supporters of genocide and ethnic cleansing?

Boycotting companies that support Israel is not only a matter of social justice but also aligns with Islamic teachings. Islam encourages us to make choices that reflect our commitment to justice, especially in support of Palestinians who have been oppressed by Israel for almost 100 years.

What, then, is a boycott in this context? It’s simple, stop buying products and services that support the genocide in Palestine and encourage others to do the same.

The reality is that there are many brands and companies that are complicit in the current atrocities against Palestinians. They are financially, or by other means, supporting the genocide, ethnic cleansing, apartheid and illegal occupation of Palestinians. Boycotting is not about ‘cancel culture’; it is about taking a moral stand against companies and organisations that are complicit in genocide. This would not be necessary if governments around the world listened to the public and brought an end to this humanitarian catastrophe. For many people and especially for Muslims, boycotting is a means of peaceful protest to end injustice.

As Muslims, it is only right that we do what we can to stop oppressors and their oppression. The question arises then, what is the Islamic ruling on boycotting? Is it permissible? The answer is a resounding “yes”. In the Qur’an, Allah orders the Muslims to boycott and disassociate from those who ridicule the Qur’an.

“And it has already come down to you in the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] that when you hear the verses of Allāh [recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them.”(4:140).

Here, the principle is set out clearly. Failure to boycott and disassociate from the wrongdoers makes a person a part of their wrongdoing. So how about those who by purchasing certain brands are perpetuating the oppression against their own brothers and sisters?

Further, supporting this stance is a Hadith involving Thumaama bin Uthaal, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). After embracing Islam, Thumaama chose to boycott the disbelievers of Makkah by imposing a wheat embargo due to their hostility towards Muslims. The disbelievers of Makkah were forced to approach the Prophet (peace be upon him) to end the embargo, thus ending the hostilities.  

The permissibility, method and outcome of an embargo was illustrated during the lifetime of our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). There can be no doubt then that the boycott of Israeli products and services and organisations and businesses that support the genocidal and apartheid policies of Israel is not only permissible but is a duty of every Muslim. 

Both Muslims and and non-Muslims alike are engaged in boycotting because they see the oppression, murder, torture, maiming of men, women and children by Israel. It is heart wrenching and an affront to humanity.

The ‘ultimate aim’ of those who boycott is simply to effect change through this peaceful protest. It is important to understand the BDS movement, which in a nutshell, is a call for everyone to boycott certain organisations, companies and products, to persuade those companies to divest from supporting the illegal occupation.  We as individuals may not have the power to divest or impose sanctions. However, we have the power to boycott. 

Many ask: does boycotting even work? The simple answer is “yes. It is notable that both McDonalds and Starbucks have acknowledged the impact of the boycott. If it is sustained, by the will of Allah, they may end their support for Israel and its genocide. 

As Muslims, everything we do is for the sake of Allah. A person may not see the fruits of their labour in this lifetime. However, a Muslim is rewarded in accordance with his or her intention. The effects of a sustained boycott may not become apparent in five or even fifty years. The length of time is irrelevant as the end goal is what matters. Many companions of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) were martyred in the early days of Islam, yet the effects of their sacrifices can still be felt today after nearly 15 centuries. We must do the same now, where we make much smaller sacrifices for a greater goal.

Furthermore, if boycotting was not effective, there wouldn’t be a smear campaign against it, and certain Western countries wouldn’t be outlawing it. If it wasn’t having an impact, they would have let it continue. In recent history, it is the boycott, divestment and sanctions that brought an end to the apartheid in South Africa. It is the capability to bring an end to the occupation in Palestine.

Ultimately, for the boycott campaign to work, it must be consistent, sustained and targeted. We must collectively engage in the boycott and encourage others to do the same. There are a number of small things we as Muslims can and should do to ensure the success of boycotts. 

We as consumers can change our buying habits. We must encourage others to do the same. We must speak to local Muslim businesses and get them on board too. If you are aware of alternative products, suggest these to local businesses. This will in turn have an impact on the wholesalers and eventually to producers and manufacturers. It all starts with us as individuals.

Finally, a question and point for all Muslims to ponder and reflect upon. Imagine on the day of judgement, a Palestinian child grabs you by the collar and complains to Allah that your purchasing of certain products and your money paid for the bullet that ended her life.
What answer would you give?