Shar’ee solution to medical aid schemes
Question
Based on the Sharee solution at the end of this answer: https://muftionline.co.za/node/30854 , if the money is paid to the hospital or doctor directly monthly, and after one or two months, a service needs to be rendered that exceeds the amount the customer/patient has paid the doctor or hospital to-date, will that also be regarded as interest, or will it be acceptable due to it being a service received and not money?
Answer
It will be permissible even if the treatment exceeds the amount paid, as this will be regarded as part of the service rendered to the patient in lieu of the amount he had paid.
This situation can be resembled to the case where the price one generally charges people for his service is R100, however, if he wishes to charge another person R50 for the same service, he may do so, as it is left to his choice and prerogative.
Similarly, this can be resembled to the case where a person generally charges R100 for an item, however, if he wishes to charge someone R50 for the same item, he may do so.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Zakaria Makada
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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