#300: Ruling on the Charges of POS Machine Use
Question
As-Salaamu Alaykum. In remote areas where ATM’s are not available, for a person to acquire POS machine, set-up a cash point and charge N100 for every N1,000 cash given. For example a person in need of N10,000 will come with his ATM card, he will receive cash of N10,000 and then he will deposit N11,000 into the owners account with the aid of the POS. Do this transaction fall into riba? If yes, what if a flat rate of eg. N500 is charged for every transaction no matter the amount? Jazakallahu Khairan as you answer the question
ANSWER
This does not fall under the definition of riba. It comes under rendering of service which can either be an exploitation or a considerate one. Islam generally promotes considerate charges on services rendered to the public.
Thus, such a person is advised to consider what it will cost him to render the service and then add a considerable profit on it so that he will be able to benefit from the dua of the people he is rendering service to.
Exploiting the weakness of people can in some cases become an oppression and opens the door for shaitan to cause enmity and rancor in the hearts of people against each other.
And Allah knows best.
Jazaakumullahu khairan!
Baarakallahu feekum!
Answered by Abu Hafs
20th Ramadan 1438A.H
📚IslamNode