Business and Dealings

Using interest to offset bank charges and disposing of interest money

Q: I have both a current account as well as a savings account at the same bank. On both the accounts, the bank levies bank charges, but the savings account is interest-bearing.

In this situation, can the interest received on the savings account be used to pay the charges levied on both accounts by the bank?

If not, then to whom should the interest be given? Can it be given to non-Muslims and even to street beggars or beggars knocking on doors every week?

Selling wigs

Q: Is it allowed to sell human hair as wigs as well as plastic hair as wigs which is sold in cosmetic shops. I understand that there is some fatwa regarding it but to my understanding the Hadith states that we cannot sell it or wear it. Please clarify the matter.

Cancelling accommodation

Q: I currently live in a hostel. I talked to another hostel owner to book a room. He kept a room for me for over 4 days and he denied other people who wanted that room. Now in the morning, the current hostel warden showed me another room with fewer charges and I decided to stay in the current hostel and not to shift. Now, if I stay, did I go against my word (wada khilafi)? I am feeling extremely guilty and I am starting to worry about my beliefs because of the backing out. Can I just say sorry and give some fine?

Bank dropping off service fees if a certain amount is kept in one's account

Q: I have opened an account in a bank and it offers a free ATM card. One of the features is that if you keep Rs. 25000 in your account then whenever the amount falls below 25k, a certain amount gets deducted on each transaction u make in that month in which the total balance was below 25k. Is it permissible to use such a bank account ?

It is not a saving account but free services like ATM, bankers cheque, sms banking are provided if a certain amount i.e. Rs. 25000.

Round Tripping

Q: Many businesses today engage in something called “round tripping”. What they do is purchase goods, thereafter they mark the goods for export and claim the vat back, while the actual goods are not exported but are instead sold locally.

From my understanding, in the process, there are lies spoken (lying to suppliers by saying that the goods are going over the border), bribes are given (a payment is made to border officials and revenue officials to stamp documents and release payments from the revenue services) and corruption is taking place. Is this practice allowed in Islam and is it permissible for us to purchase from these businesses?