Can one sell un-Islamic clothing in a clothing store? 

Q. I have a clothing store and I would like to sell short skirts, sleeveless shirts and bikinis for ladies. Is it permissible?

A. As a general rule, if a piece of clothing can be worn in a permissible and non-permissible manner, it is permissible to sell such clothing.

For instance, it is permissible for a woman to wear a short skirt, a sleeveless shirt or a bikini in the privacy of her bedroom/home for her husband. However, it is not permissible for her to wear them in public or in front of strangers (non-Mahrams). Ultimately, the manner in which the clothing is worn is solely the responsibility of a woman/individual wearing the clothing and not on the seller selling the clothing.

Therefore, it is permissible to sell clothing that can be used for permissible or impermissible purposes. However, it is best to avoid selling such clothing. (Fiqhi Maqalaat 3/100 – Kitaab-ul-Fataawa 5/271 – Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah 16/138)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com