What is the religious ruling on the social "point" system prevalent in Egypt, where monetary sums are given on social occasions (such as weddings and illnesses), and an individual is obligated to return double what he took on others' occasions; and do these increments count as usury (riba)?

Islam is a religion that calls for cooperation, love, and harmony among its followers, as Allah Almighty says: "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression," and as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Shake hands, and malice will depart; exchange gifts, and you will love each other and hatred will vanish." Exchanging gifts with the intention of helping, maintaining kinship ties, and cooperating is praiseworthy in Islamic law, and is not considered usury even if the value of the gift differs. However, if it is for ostentation and showing off, it is blameworthy. And whoever bestows a gift with the intention of receiving compensation and reward, he has the right to reclaim it if he is not satisfied with the compensation.