Shar‘i Ruling on Taking Commission Through a Bank Account
❖ Question:
Is there any Islamic ruling concerning receiving payments on behalf of others through a bank account and taking commission for this service?
❖ Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
① Permissibility of Using a Bank Account
◈ Scholars have allowed the opening of a current account in a bank if no alternative Shar‘i means are available for transactions and payments.
◈ If a person maintains a current account and others use this account to receive payments, the account holder may take commission in return for providing this facility.
② Ruling on Taking Commission
◈ Taking commission is permissible because it is considered payment for the use of one’s ownership or service.
◈ Islamic law permits charging for the use of one’s property or service, as long as no prohibited (ḥarām) elements are involved.
③ Conditions for Permissibility
✔ Transparency: The transaction must be clear and both parties must be aware of the purpose and amount of the commission.
✔ No Involvement of Interest (Ribā): If there is no condition of interest, the transaction is deemed permissible.
❖ Summary:
✔ Using one’s bank account to receive payments for others and taking commission is allowed in Islamic law.
✔ This commission is a compensation for services rendered, and there is no Shar‘i objection, provided that it is free from interest or any other prohibited element.
