Q: What is the ruling regarding copyright, etc?

Q: Will it be permissible to sell the Mandela five rand coin for more than five rands? The value of the coins depends on the grading of the coin which has a picture of Mandela on it. Some fetch up to R10 000.

Q: A parent had paid a certain Islamic school the non-refundable admission fee of R1000 on the acceptance of his child in the school. However, the child did not attend the school. Is the school obligated to refund the money?

Q: I have been receiving numerous requests from across the country to open branches of my business all over, since I have a unique business concept. However, because of the capital and the headache involved with the admin, I wish to start franchising/licensing out our concept.

I want to let my franchisees deal directly with my suppliers, and then ask them for a monthly commission/royalty based on purchases. This income will be to cover the set-up of an admin department to negotiate national prices. Is this allowed in Islam?

Q: Is it permissible to work for a company that does mainly Property Management Services like collecting rental etc (Which is halaal), however their clients are banks or insurance companies? Can you please advise on the above, and please let me know if you need any further information or if anything is unclear.

Q: Can you please advise as to whether the following Islamic Finance Products are Shariah compliant (Permissable):

1. FNB Islamic Finance Cheque Account & Youth Account
2. FNB Islamic Finance Vehicle Finance
3. FNB Property Finance

Q: Someone came to me to buy goods. I do not have it. I take his order and tell him that it will be shipped to him directly. The item costs me R100. I’ll sell it at R200. Is this permissible. If not, what is the way out?

Q: When is the contract (transaction) between a buyer and seller definitive?

Q: I have come come across a kitaab translated by Moulana Yunus Osman of Hazrat Shah Anwar Kashmiri, giving his viewpoint of permissibility of riba transactions in non Muslim countries. Please comment.

Q: Globally, nationally and locally, our businesses are going through a financial downturn. The majority of businessmen are becoming despondent and concerned as financial targets and obligations cannot be met. After putting shariah compliant mechanisms in place, please pray and advise on the way forward. Situations amongst some businessmen are critical as they are forced to go the bond and bank route, becoming involved in interest. As much as one does not want to go the haraam way, there seems to be no alternative. As we seem to have reached the end of the road, please advise. Also, we will appreciate if the Ulama could advise and guide the masses in these trying times from the mimbar etc. We love you all and appreciate your favours upon the ummah.