Date : 30-05-2016

Question :

A friend of mine has asked me to do him a favor, so I contacted the company where I used to work. As a result, they offered him a preferential rate, and gave me 10% as a commission. What is the ruling on taking that commission? should I tell my friend about it or give him some of it?


The Answer :

All perfect praise be to The Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.



Taking a determined commission from the above company in return for bringing customers is a form of brokerage or "Ji`alah"(a payment in return for the performance of a job), as called in Islamic Jurisprudence. Muslim jurists have permitted it with the condition that the broker is loyal to the customer, and no amount is added to the original sum required from the customer against that commission. Moreover, it is permissible that the commission is a determined amount or percentage agreed upon by both parties.



In conclusion, it is permissible for you(questioner) to take that commission from the company in return for bringing customers, but you aren`t obliged to tell your friend about it or give him any of it. This is provided that you are sincere in doing the service that he had asked from you. And Allah knows best.