Can I work at the checkout of a grocery store where I must process forbidden (haram) food like pork or alcohol?

Short Answer

Yes, it is allowed to work there if a) this is done in a non-Muslim society or area b) you dislike those products in your heart c) you do not own those products and are not the one selling them.

Advice

If you are in a difficult financial situation, put in extra time and effort to find good employment and continue to ask Allah for help regularly. One of the prayers taught by the Prophet Muhammad was:

“اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلاَلِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ”

“O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful against Your prohibited, and make me independent of all those besides You” (Tirmidhi hasan #3563)

Shaykh Mustafa Umar

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