Is the sum of money that the municipality or the state obliges market tenants to pay merchants in exchange for displaying their goods in the market considered the “maks” mentioned by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him? What is the ruling on this act in Sharia, and what is the definition of “maks”?
Lexically, "maks" (extortion/unjust tax) means deficiency and injustice. In technical terms, it refers to the tax taken by the "maks" (the tax collector/extortionist). It is forbidden by Islamic law and is considered one of the major sins. As stated in the : "She has repented a repentance that if a collector of an unjust tax had repented it, he would have been forgiven." The "maks" is one who takes people's money unjustly. As for the fees and taxes collected by the state for the public good, if it is unable to provide services otherwise, it is not considered "maks" provided that these funds are spent appropriately and there is no negligence or misuse.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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