Question # 558: Assalamu Alaikum, I am opening a bank account and they are offering a $300 bonus if I get a direct deposit in the account within 90 days. Is it permissible to take the bonus? If not, is it permissible to take it for the purpose of donating it to someone in need such as a family member?

bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,

Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Dear questioner,

First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.

Shorter Answer: The general consensus among scholars is that receiving a bank sign-up bonus is not permissible if the account is opened solely for that purpose, as it involves riba. Others may allow it if the account is opened out of necessity. The bonus might be permissible if seen as a gift rather than interest. Donating the bonus to someone in need is a potential way to handle the funds if they are considered impermissible. The ISGH Fatwa Committee suggests that if the bonus isn’t conditional on keeping funds for a set period, it may be acceptable for personal use. Otherwise, it should be donated to charity.

Long Answer: Protests are a kind of means, and in principle, means are permissible unless there is evidence that proves that they are forbidden… Therefore, if these protests are for the sake of demanding a right that was taken away unjustly, and they do not lead to evil consequences, like sabotage, transgression against public properties, or [free] mixing between men and women, and the like, then they are permissible (Islamweb.net).

We have evidence from the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) about an incident involving the public declaration of Islam by Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) after his conversion. He converted to Islam in 616 CE (in the sixth year of the Prophet Muhammad’s (صلى الله عليه و سلم) mission) and wanted to publicly declare his new faith and challenge the Quraysh. Umar ibn al-Khattab, Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, and a group of about 40 Muslims (رضي الله عنهم) decided to pray openly at the Kaaba. They formed two rows, with Hamza (رضي الله عنه) leading one row and Umar (رضي الله عنه) leading the other. This was a bold and defiant act, as Muslims had previously been praying in secret to avoid persecution. The two rows marched to the Kaaba, demonstrating the growing strength of the Muslim community. This public display of faith was significant because both Hamza and Umar (رضي الله عنهما) were respected and feared members of Quraysh society. Their conversion and this public act provided a boost to the Muslim community and forced the Quraysh to tone down their hostility temporarily. This incident marked a turning point for the early Muslim community in Makkah, as it allowed them to practice their faith more openly and with less fear of immediate reprisal from the Quraysh. It demonstrated the growing influence of Islam and the courage of its new converts in standing up to the prevailing social order.

This incident was an act to show the strength of the Muslims, and it is evidence of the permissibility of organizing peaceful demonstrations as a means of expressing oneself. Since these demonstrations are means, they do not need special evidence proving their permissibility because, in principle, means are permissible. The one who claims that such demonstrations are forbidden is required to provide evidence about their prohibition (Islamweb.net).

Here are some of the fatawa of contemporary scholars in this regard:

“The Assembly of Muslim Jurists (AMJA) fatwa committee has issued a statement in regard to the participation in such demonstrations.  Its conclusion is that it can be different from one country to another, while the default of peaceful civil protest is that it is permissible.  Each situation should be judged by itself and by its scholars and leaders based on the benefits and harms.” (Shaykh Waleed Basyouni PhD)

According to Dr. Main Khalid Al-Qudah, a Member of the Fatwa Committee of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America: “Holding rallies and peaceful demonstrations is a common way to raise public awareness regarding a specific issue. It is an effective and influential means of expressing feelings, especially in Western society. It does indeed have an influence on decision-makers when they decide how to react regarding the matter in question. As long as Muslim women abide by the rules regarding hijab and Islamic ethics in dealing with men, avoid direct intermingling with men during the demonstration [i.e., stay away from men while protesting], and do not speak to the public without dire need for that, their participation would be allowed.”

Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.

Wassalaam