Business and Dealings

Q: Is indulging in politics halaal in Islam especially in a democratic country?

Q: I have been for 2 driving tests and have failed on both tries. Due to not offering a bribe. I am now told that this is a problem countrywide and that the only way to get it is to solicit a bribe. Multiple family members of mine in my area as well as certain aalims family have done this out of desperation. I however would like to know the position on this matter. I am aware that it is illegal in the state.

It can be assured that I am a proper driver and not a hazard on the road. The only reason for looking at this avenue is due to the corruption being so widespread that this seems the only way to obtain my rights. Although it is morally hazardous, please advise me the Muslim viewpoint on this matter bearing in mind that it is out of desperation due to no other options.

Q: A Muslim business has already taken out insurance on their fleet of vehicles.

Is it permissible for a Muslim to do the accounting records and related calculations for this insurance which they have already been taken out? For example, he will have to calculate the total insurance premium for all the vehicles, cross-check and ensure that the insurance records are correct, etc. The Muslim will be working for the business itself and will be in no way related to the insurance company.

Q: I'm a software engineer and there is a website called github.com. Its a website for saving and downloading software codes. Its so popular because of the high quality that pretty much everyone in the entire industry is using it. It even acts as a software engineer's resume. Its a huge website but the problem is that it has a couple of programs that some people decided to give names like thor and god. The company nike is a similar issue. However, one can avoid nike but avoiding github.com is impossible in this industry. What is a Muslim to do in this situation? 

Q:

1. Is it haraam to sell a lunchbox or plastic packets that have a picture of a cartoon character on them?

2. Is the income from this haraam?

3. If so, and I have already sold them, what should I do?

Q: I am a plumber and electrician by profession. I would like to know what things will make my money haraam e.g. lying to a customer, cheating, etc. I seem to be having a problem on every job I do. Could you please advise me how should I conduct with my clients?

Q: I live in UAE and is it possible to get a loan from an Islamic bank. What is the difference between Islamic banking and conventional banking because both are offering same kind of products.

Q: Is it permissble to do a service in the following mannner:

1. The worker explains the service and its disadvantages to the client.

2. If the client wants the service, he pays a certain portion of the payment upfront as a deposit.

3. The worker then uses some of this deposited amount to purchase a facility that allows him to complete the service.

4. The work is then done and shown to the client for approval or rejection within 25 days.

5. If the client approves it: the client pays the remaining amount, and the completed work is given to client, along with ownership of the facility.

6. If the client does not want it: the worker then cancels the facility, receives a full refund from the facility provider, and returns the full deposited amount to the client.

Q: Is online earning like Youtube, doing surveys online, installing apps, referring service and apps for others, etc. Many services and websites are available online for earning, that all work in Islamic perspective. Are they halaal or haraam?

Q: I requested R300 fuel at a filling station, but the attendant filled R370 in error. Am I obligated to pay the extra R70? The manager informed me that the attendant is liable. Is this correct? What about the extra fuel in my tank?