Understanding Money in Islam #

Original Question:  Suppose a civil servant is given an investment bonus that was not deducted from his salary or employer but rather through the ministry (Ministry of home affairs). In that case, he knows that the fund is invested in bonds and equities. Can he still take the money?

It is permissible for the civil servant employee to enjoy the entitlement bonus, and we view it as a gift on three conditions:

1) The employee job is permissible in shariah.

2) The employee has no control over the investment decision. Meaning they have no say on which equities or bonds would the investment be applied.

3) The entitlement bonus is given due to a service rendered.

This is the same ruling when it comes to Rebates and CDC vouchers. As citizens, you are entitled to the gift and do not have to scrutinise the source of these gifts.

However, if the employee is able to ascertain the percentage of bonuses that are from non-shariah compliant investment, it is advisable for them to donate the non-shariah-compliant surplus portion and only enjoy the principal and the shariah-compliant surplus.

As Muslims, we should strive to ensure our earnings are lawful and toyyib (good and ethically sources) and avoid shubha (doubtful) sources. In surah al-Baqarah, verse 172, it states: “O you who have believed, eat from the toyyib (good) things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.”