Question
Are the benefits of e-bucks permissible? I bank with FNB. E-bucks is a rewards programme where every time I deposit, make a withdrawal and effect payments, I earn points on my debit card. With these points I get discounts on various products ranging from airline tickets to books. Sometimes I can get products free depending on the number of points accumulated. I recently linked my credit card to this programme and I was subsequently charged R175. I was unaware that it comes with a charge. Please comment on whether these points are permissible.
Answer
The e-bucks scheme is haraam on the basis of two factors of prohibition:
1) It is maisar (the Islamic concept of gambling). A fee of R175 is paid for future uncertain benefits. The R175 is not in lieu of a specified benefit/s.
2) It is riba since the benefits are in consideration of the monies banked. In terms of the Shariah, the money deposited in a banking account falls in the category of a loan to the bank. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Every gain which comes in the wake of a loan is riba."
You may recoup your R175 by taking benefits for this value. Cancel the scheme. While the scheme is operating, if you receive free gifts, give them to the poor without niyyat of thawaab.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 20 No 09
- PDF page
- 4
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).