The Ruling on the Swa Telephone Card

The questioner:
I ask Allah to do you good, Honorable Shaykh. These are several questions related to the Suwa phone card. One of them says: We heard from you that you consider it forbidden. What is the basis for this prohibition? Has any statement or fatwa been issued regarding this by the Permanent Committee?

The Shaykh:
As for the issuance, nothing has been issued. As for me, I hold that it is not permissible because it restricts the buyer; he can only benefit from it for a specific period. Once that period passes, it is voided for him, and his money is lost. As long as he has purchased it, it is his property, and he uses it until it is exhausted. No one has the right to restrict him and tell him, "You may only use it until such and such a time." Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This is a questioner from outside the country who says: My daughter is fourteen years old, and she studies at home. She wears the niqab, and we live in the West. A young man has been proposed to her.

The Shaykh:
To complete the point: If someone sold you an item, and he made the condition that you may not use it except within five days, and you find that it is not suitable for you and you do not use it. If he sold you a sheep or a garment and made the condition that you may not wear it for ten days, is this valid? It is not valid. When you purchase an item, you own it and dispose of it as you wish, and no one has the right to restrict you or set limits for you. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you