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[Q-ID0741] Is it permissible for a taxi-driver to fix a price with a passenger and not use his meter?

QUESTION:

What do the scholars of the Din and muftis of the Sacred Law state regarding the following issue: I am a taxi driver, and I live in England where it is a requirement from the council for us to keep the meter switched on, which, alongside showing the total mileage, also shows the taxi fare. But if we fix a certain price with a customer, then are we allowed to switch off the meter and accept such a job. Also, will this type of earning be halāl for us or not. Moreover, how is it to earn by using red diesel in a taxi considering that it can be bought here. The only benefit for us in using red diesel is that it has lower tax compared to the other types of diesel, and so we are able to save something.

Questioner: Brother from UK

ANSWER:

بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم
الجواب بعون الملک الوھاب اللھم ھدایۃ الحق والصواب

It is permissible to accept a taxi job having fixed a certain price to travel to a particular place, and such earning is also halāl [i.e. lawful according to Sharī’ah]. This is because the knowing of the wage & destination is among the conditions of Ijārah (work).

Just as it is stated in Bahār-e-Sharī’at that the conditions of Ijārah are that the wage is known, and if an animal [i.e. mode of transport] is hired, then its timing or place [i.e. destination] will have to be mentioned. For example, it is being taken for an hour, or taken to such and such a place.

[Bahār-e-Sharī’at, vol 3, part 14, pg 108]

However, it is advised that even though a particular price may be fixed for a customer, nevertheless the meter should remain on so that one remains in line with the rules & regulations of the council.

As for the usage & earning of red diesel, this is permissible according to Islamic Law, provided that you come to own it via buying it or any other method approved of by Islamic Law. [You should also be in line with the rules & regulations of the council.]

واللہ تعالی اعلم ورسولہ اعلم صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم
کتبہ ابو الحسن محمد قاسم ضیاء قادری

Answered by Mufti Qasim Zia al-Qadri
Translated by Haider Ali

Read the original Urdu answer here: [Q-ID0741] Is it permissible for a taxi-driver to fix a price with a passenger and not use his meter?

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