Question:
Zaid paid a deposit of 350 for the cylinder bottle, which would be refunded upon its return, and 300 for the gas. After a year, Zaid decided to move to another town, so he returned the cylinder bottle. However, the shopkeeper gave him 500 instead of 350, saying that the deposit amount had increased due to company policy and told him to take it.
Is the extra 150 permissible for Zaid, or is it considered interest?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.
Zaid was entitled only to the original deposit amount (350). However, if the shopkeeper, without any prior agreement or condition, voluntarily returned a greater amount (500), the extra 150 is considered a gift (تبرع), and it is permissible for Zaid to accept it and it will not be regarded as interest (ربا).[1]
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.
Abdour-Rahmaan Lim Voon Heek
Student Darul Iftaa
Port-louis, Mauritius
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai.
