The Islamic Banking Institutions (IBIs) can collect/accept utility bills after the due date with "Karahiat" (displeasure), according to Shariah scholars. A State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) statement here on Friday pointed out that in terms of instructions contained in BPRD Circular No 3 of 2006, read with BPRD Circular No 38 of 1997 and other relevant instructions issued from time to time, all branches of scheduled commercial banks including Islamic banks are required to collect the utility bills from their customers.
However, it was observed that some IBIs refuse to accept payment of bills after the due date as the late payment includes a penalty, which in their opinion is Riba and thus cannot be collected by them. The matter was discussed with the Shariah Advisors of all IBIs at the Shariah Advisors' Forum and the SBP Shariah Board.
The Shariah Scholars opined that keeping in view the larger public interest and convenience, the IBIs can collect/accept utility bills after the due date with 'Karahiat' (displeasure), according to IBD Circular Letter No 1 of July 8, 2011. IBIs are, therefore, advised to strictly comply with SBP's prevalent instructions on collection of utility bills within and after the due date at their branches, the Circular added.