Question:
Dear Mufti, There is a trend amongst businesspeople to accumalate monthly bills(viz.lights and water usage) from one financial year to the next.At the end of February they would approach the municipality and apply for the 50 percent reduction on the accumulated amount which runs into hundred of thousands.Is this permissable and in accordance with Shariah law .There are instances due to financial constraints that some people defer payments and then apply for the concession.
I am referring specifically to people who are able to make timeous payments but choose to delay in order to benefit financially from the concession at the end of each financial term.I take into cognisance that many of our municipalities are corrupt and are guilty of poor service delivery.
Jazaakallaah in advance for your response in this matter.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.
Deliberately delaying payments without a valid excuse, despite having the ability to pay, is not permissible and is considered an act of oppression in Shariah. Nabi ﷺ said:
“مطل الغني ظلم”
“Delay (in payment) by a wealthy person is ظلم (oppression).”
[Sahih al-Bukhari: 2400, Sahih Muslim: 1564][1]
Such debt reliefs and concessions are instituted to assist those who are genuinely in need and facing financial hardship, not to be exploited by those who are able to pay on time.
However, if someone genuinely cannot afford to pay on time due to financial hardship, and later benefits from a concession, then benefiting from such a concession is permissible.[2]
Corruption and poor service delivery can be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.
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.
