Business and Dealings

Q: I wrote a poem describing a scene of nature that I submitted to a large (non-Muslim) poetry competition. I came second place and have won R500. My poem will also be published in a poetry collection that will be distributed. There was no entrance fee for this competition. (1) Is the money I have won permissible? (2) Is it correct for me to get into these things - albeit not seriously and only occasionally - for perhaps some part-time income etc.? This would include writing poems, short essays, descriptive passages on nature, the rain, the environment, the effects of pollution and similar topics. Maybe these topics have some Deeni benefit and are not futile. I do not know. I think I am quite good in writing on these things as well. Please help me and correct my understanding.

Q: I intend opening a hajj account with a certain Islamic bank. The money invested will earn a profit every year. Is this profit permissible? The conditions for opening the hajj account from the bank are as follows:

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is compulsory for all those who can afford such a pilgrimage. No single event in the life of a Muslim is more spiritually uplifting and rewarding than to embark on the journey of Hajj. The Hajj Investment Scheme helps to turn your pilgrimage dream into a reality. What are the benefits you will enjoy?

•       Investments earn profits
•       Eligibility to enter a sponsored airfare draw
•       A gift when leaving for Hajj
•       In-house foreign currency facility
•       Free Travellers Will

What qualification criteria apply?
•       A minimum deposit of R100 is required to open the account
•       Funds earn profits in terms of a pre-agreed profit sharing ratio
•       Benefits are only extended to those proceeding for Hajj/Umrah irrespective of the term of investment

Q: My father has purchased a property and is registering it on my name for his own tax reasons. I have to sign legal documents, etc. confirming my ‘ownership’ of this property. However, I will not be the actual owner of the property. I asked my father who really owns the property so that I would know for my own zakaat purposes and inheritance reasons. He replied that he owns the property (and he is thus the one paying zakaat on the rental income).

(1) Despite the property being in my name formally, who truly owns the property in Shari’ah?

(2) Who is responsible for paying zakaat on the rental income?

Q: I am 16 years old but I just wanted to ask about something. I have found money in my cupboard and I can't recall having any money or having put any money in my cupboard , it caught my eye. But I thought to myself maybe it is mine and a week later I bought something with it. I don't know what to do now? I am afraid to own up and say what I did and ask if it was anybody's here at home. What do I do about the money I used? What do I do with the change? Can I give it for sadaqah or can I maybe give it to one of my family members, maybe even my mother who might be in need of it?

Q: I wish to purchase a set of notes from a company. Once I make payment via EFT, they will send me these notes via email. There is thus no physical product being exchanged, or the ability for me to 'return' anything. The notes are just a document made on Microsoft Word. Is it permissible for one to buy and sell 'soft copies' in this manner?

Q: Bakr and Zaid are travelling in a foreign country. Zaid takes a loan of 100 USD from Bakr. Bakr makes the condition that when they return to South Africa, Zaid must not pay him 100 USD, but rather the equivalent of 100 USD in South African rands. The equivalent of the 100 USD will be based on a mutually agreed exchange rate decided by Zaid and Bakr when they return to South Africa. Is this type of transaction permissible?

Q: Is Islamic banking across GCC correct? they are referring to profit rate for car loan etc. Is this the same as interest? Am I safe to purchase a car through Islamic banking profit rate that they are referring. Bank says it is as per Shari'ah. Please help to sort this doubt as I am about to purchase a car and since I cannot afford full payment, I am preferring Islamic banking. Will I be in danger?

Q: What is a muwakkil?

Q: Is it a good idea that the husband and wife work together at the same workplace for the same company?

Q: I would like to know if the job as an accounting technician with the following duties is permissible or not:

Duties :

1. To prepare and examine vouchers.

2. To input and verify records.

3. To process payroll and arrange for payments of salaries and deductions.

4. To write cheques, seek signatures and ensure dispatch by registry.

5. To collect and examine revenue and make remittances to the bank.