Is it permissible to become a lawyer?
The question, as received
I was wondering whether law is acceptable in Islam because personally I had wanted to become a lawyer but I am uncertain as I believe it may not be in Islam and some people are telling me its acceptable but some people are telling me it’s unacceptable.
The answer
Advocacy and law falls into the concept of wakālah in Sharī῾ah. A person may not be able to represent him or herself in a court due to natural or legal measures. Hence, a person uses the services of a lawyer to represent him in front of a judiciary.
Condition: Only if one does not defend a client known to be unjust, pursue un-Islamic claims, or use false means.
Explanation
The profession of advocacy in itself is not prohibited. This is a service rendered to the client for which an advocate can charge a fee.
Mufti Taqi Uthmani states that the permissibility is subject to three conditions:
1) A Muslim advocate is not allowed to plead the case of a person whom he believes to be unjust. Therefore if he knows that his client has committed an offence he is not allowed to plead for his innocence. However, it will be permissible to plead for a reduction of the sentence of the criminal on the grounds of genuine mitigation circumstances.
2) It is not permissible for a Muslim advocate to help his client in claiming a right which is disapproved by the Sharī῾ah.
3) A Muslim advocate is not allowed to use prohibited means to advance the case of his client like false statements, forged documents etc.
In conclusion, practicing law is permissible if the above there conditions are upheld.
And Allah knows best.
Darul Fiqh Team
Reviewed and approved by Mufti Faraz Adam
References
Contemporary fatawa 146-147 Idara-e-Islamiat
Based on the Hanafi school and on the question as it was asked. Another mufti may reach a different conclusion. Read the disclaimer.