Islamic banks stop using cards in “e-cigarette” shops

Banks issuing credit cards that operate in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia began to prevent payment with their cards, whether credit or direct debit, in stores that sell “shisha” and electronic cigarettes, for the first time, at a time when shoppers who hold this type of card confirmed to “Emirates Today” that All stores no longer accept payment with these bank cards, and any attempt to use them at the sales outlet will be rejected “decline”.

Banking expert, Amjad Nasr, said: “Islamic banks have a system related to the shops or windows that offer or sell the commodity within a code designated by the companies (Visa) and (MasterCard), according to a specific coding that shows the nature of the activity practiced by these shops, and thus they are classified.” In accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia.”

He added: “This classification and coding is used locally and in foreign markets around the world, so that payment with Islamic bank cards, whether direct debit or credit, is not accepted in stores that sell alcoholic beverages or tobacco, or in any places that do not comply with the conditions.” And the provisions of the card.

He explained that the card systems in Islamic banks are “programmed” to reject purchase transactions from these stores, and this is found in the terms and conditions related to Islamic cards of all types.

Nasr continued: “Sometimes, some transactions are carried out through these cards, but when inspection and auditing occurs by the Sharia bodies or the Central Bank, and the purchase transactions made using the cards are reviewed, it is discovered that there is facilitation of purchasing from regions and places that are not compatible with the provisions of issuing the card, and it is Obligating it to stop these transactions and not to be lenient in implementing the established system.”

He said: “It is expected that all Islamic banks will implement this approach within the country, even if there are opinions from Sharia bodies in other countries that say that the card is (private money) for the customer, and therefore it is permissible for him to dispose of it and bear its consequences, but in the Emirates we have an agreement between Sharia bodies.” It is not permissible to use cards issued by Islamic banks to purchase products that violate the provisions of Sharia.