Redeeming points from a bank and giving it in charity
Question
My question is regarding Standard Bank U Courts.
I do have points currently which I am not using as I believe that its haraam.
Can I redeem the points by purchasing items from their stipulated stores and give it away in charity to my non Muslim helper or to an old age home or orphanage. If this is possible, does it have to be to a non Muslim old age home or orphanage?
I also have the intention to cancel the U count
Answer
These points which the bank is giving is riba (interest).
Hence, it is not permissible for you to redeem the points and then give it to some poor person.
The reason is that redeeming the points means that you have accepted the riba from the bank. Any involvement in riba, whether giving or taking riba is haraam in Shariat.
You should immediately cancel the U count account which you have with the bank.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Zakaria Makada
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Mufti Online — Madrasah Ta'leemuddeen. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.