Business and Dealings

Q: Is exchanging gifts among friends on the day of Aashura an established practice?

Q: My boss, who is Christian, told me that he likes the Turkish nation soccer team shirt. So I bought him one in order to give it to him as a present. I bought it and then I saw it has the blue eye on the inside (which some people falsely believe it will protect from evil eye). Was it wrong to give him this present, as the shirt has something on which is shirk? It's a small blue eye on the inside.

Q: Please advise on lease agreements:

1. Is it necessary for a formal lease agreement contract to be in conformity with the Shariah? I understand that any faasid, baatil, or haraam conditions made compulsory by the Government will be excused.

2. Also, is it possible that on account of a lease agreement with faasid, baatil, or haraam conditions, the rent the lessor receives will be haraam money?

Q: I would like some advice. I am looking to purchase a property for primary home residence, as rentals are becoming rather high and increase each year. However I am in a lot of debt. Do I go ahead and consider purchasing the property, or is it best to rather wait until debts are reduced, before taking on such a huge commitment.

Q: My question relates to UIF claims. Is it permissible to claim UIF benefits from the fund? If not, then can one claim back to the extent of one's contribution value ie 1.5% percent of ones monthly salary over the number of years that he contributed?

Q: I am creating / developing my ecommerce store (on wordpress) selling various products online. It requires some Plugins / Extensions to be installed which are PAID. I am enrolled in a course (on Udemy) where my tutor gave me all those (required) plugins for FREE to use them on my own ecommerce site.

P.S: I don't know whether my tutor owns them or he grabbed them from somewhere else. I did sent him an email asking that but haven't heard from him. If I use those plugins on my site, and the income which will be generated from my store will be Halal or Haram? Can you please guide me on this?

Q: I bought something from a person and then saw that it was slightly damaged. When I complained to the seller, he offered me a discount. Can I accept the discount?

Q: I purchased a 33.3% share in a property (empty land). I paid the asking price. I decided to return my share to the Muslim brother I purchased from because I did not have additional funds to contribute towards the building. I have not as yet received any refund for my share that I returned. In the process, the Muslim brother has sold my share to somebody else and as payment accepted 2 apartments. These apartments were offered to me as payment. I refused. In the process additional building has started taking place on the property. My question is, do I have a right to take back my share considering that I have as yet not received payment for it? and 1) If no, I understand 2) If yes, at what price must I contribute towards the new building that has been happening. I know I have to contribute a third, but is the Muslim brother allowed to put a mark up on the building or not, considering that I am an equal third partner. (3 partners, muslim brother, his brother and myself.)

Q: I'd like to know that if someone gives me money and says that it is for my children, then am I allowed to use the money to buy them clothes, toys, etc. or must it be put away until they mature?

Q: Is it permissible for a Muslim to sell clothing made from pig skin e.g. gloves, shoes, etc.? Will there be any difference in the ruling if these items are used as safety equipment/wear?