Q: I have the following queries regarding the U Count rewards from Standard Bank. I do earn these points but do not use them as per your previous fataawa that I read on your website.
My questions are as follows:
1. Can I purchase items from the U Count participating retailers e.g. Makro and give these items to my helper who is a non-Muslim or any Muslim person or any Muslim organization e.g. a Muslim orphanage?
2. Can I purchase items for me e.g. R1000.00 using the points and then take R1000 in cash and give it away to any Muslim, non-Muslim or any Muslim organization?
A: 1 & 2. Severe warnings have been sounded in the mubaarak Ahaadith for those who get involved in the grave sin of interest.
Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) cursed the one who consumes riba (interest), the one who feeds it to others, the one who records it (i.e. the transaction) and those who are witness to it (i.e. the transaction). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also said, “All of them are equal (in the sin of interest).”
Since this is interest, you should refrain from redeeming it so that you do not have any involvement in interest.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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