FAQ 168: Are Grab Subscriptions permissible (halal)?

Original Question:

Salam, my questions are as follows: 1) Is Grab subscription permissible? The question stems from the issue that in return for a paid subscription, we receive discount coupons which can be used to offset certain costs such as delivery fees. Furthermore, the discount coupons given are higher in value then the amount paid for the subscription. Since there is some exchange of asymmetrical value with no tangible product, is it permissible in this context? Some say that it is impermissible because it involves ambiguity due to the varying amount of discount which is dependent on the total cost of delivery fee (e. g. discount coupon has a cap of $3. But delivery fee is $2. 70, therefore only $2. 70 is used). Some also say it is impermissible because of risk of loss if one were not to use the coupons after subscribing. Please help to clarify if these cases are valid.

Answer:

Subscription-based services are increasingly common in today’s digital economy. Under such arrangement, a user pays a fixed subscription fee in exchange for access to certain benefits, such as delivery fee discounts, promotional vouchers, cashback, or exclusive offers, which may or may not be utilised. In the case of Grab Unlimited, the subscription grants access to a package of membership benefits within the platform ecosystem.

In general, subscriptions that require payment in order to qualify for certain benefits; such as special discounts, free delivery, and similar perks, are commonly analogised by scholars to paid discount cards. Contemporary scholars and fatwa councils have expressed differing opinions on the Shariah ruling of such arrangement. The key Shariah concerns typically discussed include; gharar (uncertainty), potential resemblance to maysir (speculation), and the clarity and transparency of the benefits forming the subject matter of the contract.

Scholarly views

Impermissible (more restrictive opinion):
Some scholars argue that paid discounts or subscriptions are impermissible primarily due to concerns over excessive gharar and risk of loss. At the point of subscription, the actual benefit to be received is uncertain and may vary significantly depending on the usage. In some cases, subscribers may receive benefits far exceeding the fee paid, while others may receive little to none.

According to this view, the possibility that subscription fees may be forfeited if vouchers are unused introduces an element of speculative outcome, which resembles gambling-like uncertainty. This is the opinion of the former Mufti of Wilayah Persekutuan, Dr Zulkifli al-Bakri (in his article #1959) as well as the Jordanian Iftaa’ department, especially when fees are paid for unpredictable discounts, likening it to selling unknown goods.
2. Permissible (more lenient opinion):
Other contemporary scholars and fatwa institutions hold a more accommodating view on subscriptions services, permitting them when structured clearly and transparently. According to this view, the subscription fee is not a payment for a guaranteed monetary return, but rather a fee (ujrah) for access to a known membership programme and its associated services, benefits and privileges, similar to gym membership and monthly transport passes. The remaining uncertainty, such as whether a user fully utilises all vouchers or receives more savings than the fee paid, is considered minor (gharar yasir) and tolerated due to common commercial practice (urf) and informed consent. Furthermore, the subscription fee is typically fixed, clearly disclosed, and relatively minimal, and is often justified as covering administrative or operational costs rather than constituting as a primary source of profit.

This approach is similar to resolutions by the Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in its 77th and 78th meetings in 2008, relating to fees charged for credit card benefits and privileges. It states that fees are permissible if they correspond to genuine services of access rights, and are not charges on loans or debt deferment itself. In the context of Grab subscriptions, the fee may therefore be understood as payment for access to the membership ecosystem, promotional privileges, convenience features, and platform benefits, rather than payment for an uncertain cash return.

This position is reflected in rulings by Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan (Irsyad Hukum series 881) and Jabatan Mufti Selangor.

IFSG’s view

After considering both scholarly positions, IFSG is of the view that such subscription plan are generally permissible provided that;

The terms and conditions are clear and transparent
The services and platform usage are halal
The subscription does not involve riba, gharar or unlawful activities
The subscription fee is minimal

Accordingly, issues such as capped discounts, varying usage amounts, or unused vouchers are regarded as minor and incidental uncertainty that do not invalidate the contract, especially when users knowingly subscribe with clear understanding or the terms and conditions. Nevertheless, individuals who remain uncomfortable with the differing scholarly opinions may choose to avoid such subscriptions as a matter of personal caution (wara’).

And Allah knows best.

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