Business and Dealings

Taking out life insurance to save tax

Q: Here, in South Africa, when a person passes away, he has to pay 20% estate duty of his total estate to the government. Many a time, this amount runs into millions and is an extremely exorbitant amount to pay. I was recently advised by a colleague to take out life insurance so that upon my death, the policy payout will cover the estate duty. Please advise if doing this will be permissible.

Hadya milne ki khwahish rakhna

Q: Meri dost he. Usne ye sawal puchha hy wo bachon ko tution aur quran pak prhti hy free men. Uski dusri frnd bhi yehi kaam krti hen unki talbat un ke lye gifts lkr ati hen jis se andaza hta hy k talbat ko mualima se muhabat hy. Ye dekh kr meri dost ka dil bhi krta hy k ussy b uski talbat gifts aur hadya den taake usy mehsus ho k wo b apni talbat ko aziz hy. Ab meri dost ye pushna chahti hy k agr esa khyal dil m ata hy to is se gunah hga ya ye khyal krna jaez hy? Aur ye khyal dil m hi ata hy wo kbhi kisi se mangti nhi kuchh.

Interest bearing loan

Q: I wanted to find out something regarding interest. I'm currently in an unstable financial situation, I find it very difficult to pay my expenses, I'm currently working and have tried many things to make additional income with no success. I've been working on a business plan and submitted to government, would it be permissible for me to take a loan from them? The loan will have interest payable. I cannot go to any Islamic bank etc because of my financial record. I have no other options, please advise.

Selling health and beauty products

Q: I am currently working in a store which sells health and beauty products, including makeup, perfumes, creams, medicines, etc. Some of these products contain unlawful ingredients like alcohol and glycerin (which may be derived from animals or vegetables), and some may also have been tested on animals. My question is, is it permissible for me to work there selling these items?

Imaamat contract

Q: I have the following questions regarding the employment of an imaam:

1. Can the imaam claim full pay if he leads only four salaahs while his contract stipulates all five?

2. Is he entitled to a full salary during his annual four week umrah journey and five week family holiday?

3. Is he entitled to severance pay when his duties are not required e.g. if the prayer place (jamaat khana) is shut down by the government?

4. Some people think that the imaam is like a khalifah, once you employ him, the community has to support him for life, even when he is not assigned any duties.