Russia’s Muslim clerics ban couriers from delivering ‘haram’ goods

MOSCOW, Russia (MNTV) — A recent fatwa issued by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia (SAM) banning Muslim couriers from delivering goods deemed haram—such as alcohol, pork, gambling items, or meat not slaughtered according to Islamic law—has sparked sharp criticism from both the Russian Human Rights Council and the State Duma.

The Council of Ulema, SAM’s theological body, announced the ruling on October 7, classifying all cargo as either halal (permissible) or haram (prohibited).

It clarified that couriers unaware of a parcel’s contents or transporting mixed orders containing both permissible and forbidden items would not be considered sinful, though they are encouraged to donate part of their income to charity.

The Council’s chairman, Shamil Alyautdinov, stressed that fatwas are advisory, not legally binding, and apply only to practicing Muslims. “We are not a government institution and cannot permit or prohibit anything. We simply clarify what aligns with Islamic norms,” he said.

However, Valery Fadeyev, head of the Presidential Human Rights Council, argued the decision violates at least five articles of Russia’s Constitution, including those guaranteeing the secular nature of the state (Article 14), free movement of goods and services (Article 8), and freedom of labor (Articles 19 and 37).

“This decision incites religious division and restricts economic freedoms,” Fadeyev said, warning it could lead to discrimination in service delivery.

State Duma Deputy Mikhail Matveyev called the fatwa “unacceptable interference in the economy.” Speaking to Gazeta.ru, he cautioned that widespread refusal among Muslim workers in logistics or transport sectors to handle certain goods could create chaos.

“If religious rulings start dictating business operations, it will lead to absurd situations,” he said, adding that employees unwilling to follow company policies should seek other jobs.