What is the ruling on cashing post-dated checks at non-Islamic banks or entities for a commission and usury, and what is the ruling on the bank or individual taking these commissions and usury?

This action is impermissible because it constitutes usury (riba). The discounting of post-dated checks or promissory notes for less than their value before their due date falls into two categories:

1. When the discounting is done by the party who owes the debt. This is known as "da' wa ta'ajjal" (forgive and hasten), and it is prohibited by the majority of scholars due to the presence of usury. 2. When the discounting is done by a party other than the one who owes the debt (such as a bank). This is known as "check discounting," and it is prohibited because it is an usurious loan.

There is no difference in the prohibition whether this practice is carried out in an Islamic or a non-Islamic country.