What is the ruling on dealing with freelance platforms that act as an intermediary between the service provider and the customer, withhold the money until the service is completed, and then transfer the amount to the service provider after deducting their commission?

It is permissible to work as an intermediary between service providers and customers. This falls under the category of brokerage (simsara), provided that the service is permissible. The intermediary takes their commission from the customer, the service provider, or both, according to the agreement, in return for providing benefit by guaranteeing the quality of the service. The permissibility of brokerage has been reported from the Salaf (early Muslims) and subsequent generations. However, if the service is prohibited, it is not permissible to mediate it, as this would constitute aiding in sin.