Working as appointment setter and closer for digital services

Working as appointment setter and closer for digital services

Question

I am writing to humbly seek your guidance regarding work I was previously involved in and to better advise other Muslims who are still engaged in this line of work.

I used to work from home in the online sales industry, primarily assisting companies that sell digital services, such as coaching, consulting, or training programs. These services are typically designed to help individuals improve their business, career, personal development, or health. Some common examples include:

• Business Coaching Programs – Helping clients start or grow their businesses, such as launching an e-commerce store, building a digital marketing agency, or developing a freelancing career.
• Career and Skills Development Platforms – Providing professional training such as project management or sales techniques, often including certifications, mentorship, or career placement support.
• Personal Development and Life Coaching – Helping clients improve mindset, boost productivity, and build confi
• Health and Wellness Coaching – Offering structured programs or personalized 1-on-1 coaching focused on fitness, weight loss, nutrition, or mental health support.
• Real Estate and Investment Training – Teaching strategies to invest in property, such as wholesaling, house flipping, or setting up profitable short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO).

These services are typically advertised through social media. When someone shows interest, they are invited to speak with a sales representative. The sales process usually involves two roles:

• Appointment Setter: This role involves conducting the initial conversation with potential clients, providing basic information about the program, and asking qualifying questions to assess suitability. The Appointment Setter does not discuss pricing or fi If the person seems like a good fit, they are booked for a call with a senior representative (the Closer).
• Closer (High-Ticket Closer): This role involves explaining the program in detail, answering questions, and discussing pricing and payment options. If a client wishes to join but cannot pay in full, financing options are presented. In such cases, the Closer may send a link to a third-party finance provider – some of which offer interest-based (ribā) loans. The Closer does not assist with the application, offer financial advice, or pressure the client; the decision is left to the client.

Although I never applied for financing on a client’s behalf or advised them to use it, part of my role as a Closer sometimes involved sending the link to a finance company’s website when a client requested it.

I chose to step away from this industry because I was uncertain about its Islamic permissibility, particularly due to the financing element and the ethical concerns around high-ticket sales. Since then, several Muslim colleagues who are still working in the field have sought my advice on whether this work is ḥalāl or ḥarām. I wish to ensure that my own understanding is sound and that I can offer sincere, informed guidance to others. My questions are:

1. Is it permissible (ḥalāl) to work as an Appointment Setter in such companies, given that the role is limited to qualifying leads and scheduling calls, with no involvement in pricing, payments, or financing?
2. Is it permissible (ḥalāl) to work as a Closer, knowing that I may occasionally have to send a link to a third-party lender that offers interest-based financing, even though I do not assist with the loan application, provide financial advice, or encourage its use?
3. Am I sinful if I sell a program to someone I believe may not be suitable for it? For example, some programs are advertised as “Done For You”, but in reality, clients still need basic computer skills (like using email, uploading content, or navigating platforms). If I feel the client may not benefit fully due to lack of digital literacy but they still choose to purchase, am I blameworthy for proceeding with the sale?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Answer

1. It is permissible to work as an Appointment Setter.
2. It is permissible to work as a Closer. However, it is not permissible to refer customers to third party finance companies that provide interest-based loans. If the customer takes an interest-based loan on their own accord, the Closer is not responsible for this.
3. You should be honest with the customers and provide them with all the relevant information. If after providing them with the relevant information, they decide to purchase the service or the product, that is their prerogative and you are not responsible for this.

قال الله تعالى: ولا تعاونوا على الإثم والعدوان، الآية. وقال تعالى: وأحل الله البيع وحرم الربا، الآية. وعن جرير بن عبد الله قال: بايعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم على إقام الصلاة وإيتاء الزكاة والنصح لكل مسلم، رواه البخاري (٢٧١٥). وعن حكيم بن حزام رفعه: البيعان بالخيار ما لم يتفرقا، فإن صدقا وبينا بورك لهما في بيعهما، وإن كتما وكذبا محقت بركة بيعهما، رواه البخاري (٢٠٧٩). وعن أبي سعيد الخدري رفعه قال: التاجر الصدوق الأمين مع النبيين والصديقين والشهداء، رواه الترمذي (١٢٠٩) وحسنه۔

Allah knows best

Yusuf Shabbir

25 Dhū al-Ḥijjah 1446 / 21 June 2025

Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir