Title: Engineering Another Religion's Album Question: I work as a sound engineer in a national audio recording studio in my country. Last week a person came and asked me to engineer his album to become a master for cassette duplication purposes. After he told me that the album was another religion's album (I'm a Muslim) I'm very confused. Is it forbidden by Qur'an or Sunnah to do this? Shall I reject it in a matter of greyness? Any answer would be appreciated. Jazzakallahu khayran . Wassalam.Wr.Wb. Indra Chandra Setiadi Indonesia Answer: There is nothing in the directives of the Shari`ah which prohibits us to help in an effective presentation of other religions and, therefore, such an act cannot be termed as prohibited. Whether or not an individual Muslim may participate in such a project would largely depend upon his personal understanding of the situation as well as whether or not he has the option of refusing participation (as would be the case in a self-employed situation). An individual may feel that his participation in such a project is ultimately likely to result in the propagation and promotion of those ideals and beliefs which he does not agree with and may, consequently, like to refrain from participating in it. However, on the contrary, an individual may consider participation in such a project as an opportunity to develop and promote a better inter-faith understanding and appreciation in his fellow human beings, which has the potential of making it easier for the audience to understand and appreciate the truth from falsehood and, consequently, help them in adopting what they understand to be the Truth. According to my personal understanding and preference, I would like professionals like you to take the latter of the two aforementioned perspectives, as such an attitude, according to my understanding, is more in keeping with the spirit and ideals of Islam, which recognizes the universally recognized principle of freedom of speech and practice for every individual and group. However, if you are not internally satisfied with participating in the stated project, then it would be more appropriate for you to refrain from participating in it, as every individual should take a course of action which he himself considers more appropriate and morally satisfying. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad December 9, 2002