Paying a fee to receive a discount

Q: There are some online stores which offer a subscription to their program for a monthly fee. Among the benefits of being a member is that one will receive a discounted price if he has to purchase any item from that store. Is it permissible for one to take up such a subscription?

A: We wish to know what are the other benefits. If there is a benefit that is valid according to the shariah then it is permissible. But paying a fee to receive a discount is not valid.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)