Fatwa ID: 08249
Answered by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Question:
I wanted to ask, I own a car and the maintenance/service is now due. So the dealership offered me options.
One is I can pay installments which are interest-free. The cost for this is around £400, which will be taken over 24 months, and for this price, I get one maintenance check and two services included.
The second option is also interest-free; however, this one is around £700 over 24 months and includes the following things: maintenance check, 2 services, 2 MOT checks, 24 months of roadside assistance, and 24 months warranty.
My question is: if I was to go for the second option, would it be permissible since it includes roadside assistance and warranty?
My understanding is that warranty can be purchased when buying the item at the same time; however, I already own the car. But in the second option, I am not only getting warranty and roadside assistance — I am also getting other services.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Islam provides clear guidance on contracts, emphasising transparency and the absence of hidden clauses. All conditions must be known and agreed upon by both buyer and seller for a contract to be valid. [1]
The terms are clearly outlined in your case, specifying what you will receive for the stated price. Since both options are interest-free, they are permissible in Islam. [2]
Option 2, which you seem to favour, offers added value. It includes roadside recovery (which can cost up to £150 depending on your car’s make and model, according to AA and RAC) and an annual service check (typically costing around £180 for a basic service).
Regarding the warranty, it is essential to review the details or confirm with customer service to understand exactly what is covered and to avoid surprises, such as exclusions for items like a broken windscreen.
It is advisable to discuss your preferred option with a customer service agent and request a detailed agreement document via email as proof of the final purchase. This ensures clarity and protects your rights as a consumer.
I hope that this answers the question.
Only Allah knows best.
Written by:
Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Checked and approved by:
Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
هُوَ بَيْعٌ لِسِلْعَةٍ عَيْنٍ) غَيْرِ مَوْجُودَةٍ وَقْتَ التَّعَاقُدِ، مُحَدَّدَةِ الأَوْصَافِ، يُسَلَّمُ فَمَنْهَا مُقَدَّمًا، وَتَثْبُتُ فِي١
ذِمَّةِ الْبَائِع
فَهُوَ شِرَاءُ أَجِلٍ بِعَاجِلٍ، وَعَلَيْهِ فَهُوَ مِنْ بُيُوعِ الأَجَلِ. وَيُقَالُ فِيهِ: (بَيْعُ مَوْصُوفٍ فِي الذِّمَّة
يُقَالُ فِي الْمُشْتَرِي: (الْمُسْلَمُ)، وَفِي الْبَائِعِ : (الْمُسْلَمُ إِلَيْهِ، وَفِي السِّلْعَةِ: (الْمُسْلَمُ فِيهِ)، وَفِي الثَّمَنِ:
رَأْسُ مَالِ السَّلَم).
حُكْمُهُ: حَلَالٌ، بِدَلَالَةِ الْحَدِيثِ الصَّحِيح
الاقتصاد الإسلامي، ص ٣٣
[2] وَأَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ ۚ فَمَن جَآءَهُۥ مَوْعِظَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ………
Surah Baqarah:275
