The Ruling on Discount Cards in Markets

Question:
Some large markets, such as the big, huge grocery stores, say that they give discount cards, or coupons, for approximately, I mean, about thirty percent or something like that. He asks: What is the ruling on these discount cards?

Answer:
These are advertisements, and I think, or I believe, that they charged for them; they did not give them for free. They added the cost to the prices of the goods, so they did not lose anything. Rather, they appear to people as if they are encouraging them by giving them this money, which is not the case. They have taken it, but in a hidden way. Therefore, commercial establishments must avoid such matters, adhere to truthfulness, adhere to good transactions, and recognize that sustenance is in the hand of Allah (Mighty and Majestic).