Islamist preacher: ‘ Working in supermarkets is haram for Muslims’ in Germany

Islamist hate preacher Ahmad Armih, also known as ‘Abul Baraa,’ has been reaching a large audience for years via platforms such as TikTok and through public appearances. As a prominent figure in political Salafism in Germany, he regularly appears in mosques, where he spreads his interpretations of the Koran. Some of his statements are now also being disseminated outside the Muslim community – often because of their bizarre and extreme interpretations.

Currently, another interpretation by ‘Abul Baraa’ is circulating on social media, sparking debate. It concerns the question of whether Muslims are allowed to work in supermarkets. The preacher, who is under observation by the German domestic intelligence service, takes a clear stance on this issue: working in a supermarket is haram. One of the reasons he gives for this is the activity of stocking shelves. The ‘problem’ is that the shelves are not only stocked with products that are halal, but also with those that are haram for Muslims.

He mentions alcohol, prohibited meat, cigarettes and gambling products as examples. According to his interpretation, it is not enough to simply refrain from consuming these things oneself. If Allah forbids something, then he also forbids its sale. This means that one must not buy, sell or store these things, nor assist anyone else in purchasing them. According to ‘Abul Baraa’, working in a supermarket creates a direct shared responsibility. This means that one bears the same share of the sin as someone who consumes the aforementioned products.