Are paid computer software maintenance contracts after the expiration of the free warranty—which are imposed on the sales manager due to prevailing custom and customer demand—considered to be of the category "what has become widespread affliction" (ma 'ammat bihi al-balwa) or a "gharar" (uncertainty) sale? What is the ruling on the commission received from these contracts, and is it obligatory to donate it as charity if it is unlawful?

Computer maintenance contracts fall into several categories: The first and second are permissible. These are contracts for a known service at a known wage, or for a known duration at a known wage. As for the third category, which is a contract for an unknown service at a known wage, it is not permissible because it falls under gharar (excessive uncertainty), which is prohibited by Sharia. Its outcome is uncertain, and it may lead to ambiguity regarding what a person receives in exchange for what they paid. The widespread nature of these contracts does not make them permissible; rather, it is obligatory to advise those involved and clarify the Sharia ruling to them. Therefore, it is not permissible to work in this maintenance if the contract is like that in the third category, as it constitutes aiding in sin. However, commissions and salaries are permissible because they are in exchange for work that is not inherently forbidden.

Regarding the ruling on general device maintenance: It is forbidden to maintain devices if it is known or highly probable that the person will use them for something prohibited. It is permissible to maintain them if it is known or highly probable that they will only be used for something permissible. If the probabilities are equal or the intended use is unknown, then one should act based on the prevalent practice of users. If the predominant use is permissible, then it is allowed; otherwise, it is not.