AN APPLICATION OF THE ISLAMIC FINANCE PRINCIPLE OF RIBA TO THE POS BUSINESS IN NIGERIA
This paper explored the application of the Islamic financeprinciple of Riba to the Point of Sale (POS) business inNigeria. Islamic finance operates on the principles ofIslamic law, which prohibits the charging of interest andemphasizes fairness, ethical conduct, and the sharing ofrisks. The paper adopted a doctrinal method of researchThe paper delved into the concept of Riba, both in its literaland technical meanings, emphasizing its prohibition inIslamic law as outlined in the Quran, Sunnah and theconsensus of Muslim jurists. Furthermore, the paperexamined the emergence and growth of the POS businessin Nigeria, a modern financial service introduced by theCentral Bank of Nigeria to facilitate cashless transactions.This business allows individuals to withdraw money, paybills, and engage in various financial transactions throughPOS terminals. The legality of this service in Islamic lawhas been a subject of debate among scholars, leading todivergent opinions. The paper categorized scholars intofour groups based on their views regarding thepermissibility of POS transactions. Some consider itprohibited (Haram) due to the commission charged by POSmerchants, while others deem it permissible (Halal).Another group suggests that POS can only be allowed insituations of desperate need (Darurat). The last groupadopts a middle-ground approach, distinguishing between different types of POS transactions and classifying themaccordingly. In conclusion, the paper underscored theimportance of a nuanced understanding of POStransactions in Islamic finance, highlighting that someforms may be Halal while others should be approachedwith caution. It encouraged further discussions andresearch on this topic, acknowledging that modernfinancial services like POS require continuous assessmentin the context of Islamic commercial jurisprudence.  

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