What is the ruling on working for websites that connect service seekers with service providers and take a percentage of the work's wage, or a monthly subscription with a percentage?
It is permissible to mediate between skilled individuals and service seekers in exchange for a percentage of the work fee. This falls under brokerage and mediation, provided that the work itself is permissible. However, it is not permissible to take a percentage for work that was not mediated, or for subsequent works following the initial mediated work. There is no harm in the brokerage fee being a fixed amount or a percentage of the price or wage.
As for combining a monthly subscription with a percentage of the fee from the skilled individual, this is not permissible. This is because the subscription is considered unlawful consumption of wealth unless the website provides additional services, such as showcasing the skilled individual's work. In such a case, the subscription would then be a fee for this service, and the percentage would be a fee for bringing in customers. It is permissible to combine rent () and brokerage, because the preponderant opinion is the permissibility of stipulating one contract within another, as long as it does not lead to usury (riba).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 19725
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy