I teach
sewing courses and my payment options for 2019 were as follows:

Payment
option 1: R4500 (34 hours)

Payment
option 2: R2500x 2 instalments  

Payment
option 3: R1800x3 instalments (12 hours monthly)

Payment
option 4: R699 x 8 instalments (4 hours monthly)

Was this
permissible or interest based?

Payment
Structure for 2020 

Cost of
course R6000

Payment
option 1:  25 % discount = R4500

Payment
option 2 : 15% discount ,paid in 2           
                     
                 
 instalments R2550 each 

Payment
option 3:  10% discount , advance.         
                     
                 payment
R2000 

 
                     
           2nd and 3rd instalment   
                     
                     
    R1700 each ( 8 hours monthly)

Payment
option 4:  R1500 x 4 instalments (6 hours Monthly )

If these
are not permissible,  please do advice the best permissible method.

Answer: 

The fee structure for the courses are either payable in cash or on credit. If the client or student chooses a cash payment plan then he qualifies for a larger discount whilst those opting for a credit payment plan qualify for a smaller discount. This is quite in order with the proviso that the client or student specifies the payment plan that he has chosen when concluding the transaction. Also, if the client defaults after choosing a particular payment plan, then he/she cannot be penalized as the excess amount will fall in the category of Riba (interest).

There are also shorter courses offered at a lower rate such as 12 hours or 4 hours per month at a stipulated price. These too are in order as the service being offered and the fee in lieu of the service are both fixed and stipulated. The client should choose or stipulate the package that she or she wishes to purchase.

AND ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B

Date: 22 Safar 1441 Darul Ifta Azaadville English Date: 21 October 2019