Is dealing with profitable investment websites that offer a fixed profit and allow investment through a "bonus" – which cannot be withdrawn except after being invested – considered usury (riba), and is the money unlawful if the profit increases by recruiting new members?
For partnerships to be valid, the capital must not be guaranteed, and the partner's share must be a percentage of the profits, not of the capital. Therefore, the first scenario, where the capital is guaranteed and the profit is fixed, is prohibited, as its true nature is a usurious loan. Similarly, benefiting from and investing what is called a "bonus" is considered a loan. If the website requires investment through it and takes a commission on profits, this constitutes stipulating brokerage in a loan, which is prohibited. Dealing with margin is prohibited due to the -related caveats it entails. As for network marketing, its ruling has been clarified previously.
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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- Read the full answer on Ftawy