Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No.(146): "Ruling on a Muslim Taking his Share of the Estate from a Usurious Bank

Date Added : 05-10-2015

Resolution  No. (146) (11/2010), By The Board of Iftaa', Research and Islamic Studies:

"Ruling on a Muslim Taking  his Share of the Estate from a Usurious Bank"

Date: 2/9/1431 A.H corresponding to 12/8/2010 A.D

 

All praise be to Allah, peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon  all of his family and companions:

The Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies reviewed, in its 9th session held on Thursday(2/9/1431A.H) corresponding to (12/8/2010 A.D), the following  question:

My father passed away, and left us a sum of money which our mother didn`t divide  amongst us, rather , she kept it deposited  in a usurious bank for  thirty years; is it permissible for me to take my share and what is the ruling on paying the  Zakah due on it ?

After careful study and deliberation, the Board decided what follows:

What the mother did is unlawful in Islamic law because once the father died, the money  is transferred to the possession of the heirs-each according to his/her share. The degree of unlawfulness as far as the mother`s act is concerned increases by her dealing in Riba (usury); therefore, she should seek repentance, ask for forgiveness, withdraw the money from that bank and divide it amongst the eligible heirs. On their part, the heirs must  get rid of the usurious amount in their shares  by giving  it up to charity, and Allah will reward them for doing so since He, The Most Exalted, Says (What means): “O ye who believe! Fear God, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers. If ye do it not, Take notice of war from God and His Apostle: But if ye turn back, ye shall have your capital sums: Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly.” {Al-Baqarah/278-279}.

The heirs are also obliged to give the Zakah due on their shares for one year in case each of them reached Nisaab (i.e. minimum amount of wealth liable for the payment of zakat). And Allah Knows Best.

 

 

Head of the Iftaa` Board, The Mufti General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Grace Sheikh Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh

Vice Head of the Iftaa` Board, Dr. Ahmad Hilayel

Dr. Yahia Al-Botoosh/ Member

His Eminence, Sheikh Sa`ied Hijjawi/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-Essa

Judge Sarrie Attieh

Dr. Abdulrahman Ibbdah/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Oklah/ Member

Dr. Abduln`nassir Abu Al Bass`al/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Al-Gharaibeh/ Member

Executive Secretary of the Iftaa` board, Dr. Ahmad Al-has`sanat

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Summarized Fatawaa

I have a date farm, and the dates come in different categories, and within each category there are different sizes. How is zakāh paid on the yield?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
If the yield reaches the niṣāb (the minimum threshold for zakāh to become obligatory) — which is five awsuq (plural of wasq), equivalent to (611) kg — then zakāh becomes obligatory upon it, at a rate of one-tenth ('ushr) if irrigated by rainwater (i.e., naturally, without the use of machinery), or one-twentieth (half of the 'ushr) if irrigated using machinery/equipment.
If the yield of dates consists of different varieties, then zakāh should be paid from each variety according to its respective proportion. If this proves difficult, it is permissible to pay from a medium-quality variety [representative of the average].
It is stated in Ḥāshiyatā Qulyūbī wa ‘Umayrah (Vol.2/P.22): "Different varieties are combined together [for the purpose of calculating the niṣāb] — such as the various types of dates, the various types of raisins, and so on — and zakāh is paid from each type according to its respective proportion. However, if this becomes difficult due to the large number of varieties and the small quantity of each individual type, then zakāh should be paid from a medium-quality variety among them — neither the best nor the worst — out of consideration for both sides [the giver and the poor recipient]. If one goes to the trouble of paying from each variety according to its proportion, this is also permissible." And Allah, the Exalted, knows best.

Does smoking break the fast?

Yes, smoking breaks the fast because smoke particles intentionally enter the lungs, which are considered part of the body cavity (jauf).

I wish to purchase an online account (a gaming account), and its ownership will be transferred to me. However, my friend will purchase it on my behalf, and I will repay him in deferred installments with an added profit margin to account for the installment sale. What is the ruling of Islamic Law on this transaction?

 
All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
The ruling on selling electronic games depends on the ruling of the game itself: if the game is permissible, then selling it is likewise permissible. However, if the game contains Sharia violations that render playing it impermissible, then selling it in that case is neither valid nor permissible. Therefore, we advise the necessity of reviewing the Sharia guidelines for electronic games set forth in Fatwa No. (3369).
 
Accordingly, if the game is permissible, a person may purchase it, take legal possession of it, and subsequently sell it in deferred installments for a price higher than its purchase price. The General Iftaa' Department has permitted dealing through Murabaha, while emphasizing the necessity of observing the Sharia conditions required for this transaction; please refer to Fatwa No. (2861). And Allah Almighty knows best.

What should one do if they see someone deliberately eating or drinking openly during Ramadan?

They must enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. If they fear harm from that person, they should disapprove of it in their heart but avoid sitting with them if possible. It is also preferable to seek the help of the authorities to prevent them from doing so.