In responding to this issue, below is the detailed explanation given by eminent scholars and Da’iyah on the stand of sharia on a Muslim transacting in an unlawful items in a non-Muslim land as some Muslim scholars are said to have allowed it. A renowned Da`iyah, Sheikh `AbdelKhaliq Hasan Ash-Shareef, said:
“It is not a religious obligation for a Muslim to abide by a certain Madhhab (Juristic School) as long as he is able to understand and choose among the jurists opinions. However, if he is not able to do so, it is recommended for him to follow a certain Madhhab or a trusted scholar and abide by the Madhhab of that scholar, since the personal inclination may affect choosing among different opinions and fatwas if he depends on himself. This may mislead the person who does this. Thus, you are not allowed to choose this ruling you mentioned to deal on unlawful things in non-Muslim countries.”
Dr. SanoKoutoubMoustapha, professor of jurisprudence and its principles, also said on this the follwoing:
“I would like to inform you that to the best of my knowledge there is no such a statement in the Hanafi madhab; thus, there is a consensus among scholars about the prohibition of selling or buying or drinking alcohol.
As you may know well, alcohol is prohibited and is considered as the mother of all sins and impurities, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated.
All in all, Muslims are not allowed to sell or buy or drink or even facilitate the process of selling or buying or transporting alcohol. Allah has prohibited alcohol in the verse (O you who believe! Strong drink and games of chance and idols and divining arrowsare only an infamy of Satan’s handiwork. Leave it aside in order that you may succeed)(Al-Ma’idah 5: 90).
This prohibition in the above verse covers selling alcohol as well as buying it.
Having said that, I shall point to you that there should be no consideration to any view or opinion that allows selling or buying alcohol for Muslims or non-Muslims.“