Islamic banks ban credit card use in certain stores.

Oct.14.2024
Islamic banks ban credit card use in certain stores.
Islamic bank bans credit and debit cards from being used in UAE stores selling hookah and e-cigarettes, citing Sharia law.

According to Emaratalyoum on October 14th, banks issuing credit cards permitted by Islamic law have for the first time prohibited the use of their credit and debit cards in stores selling "hookah" and e-cigarettes. Customers holding these cards have confirmed that all these stores no longer accept payments with cards from the relevant banks, and any attempts to use such cards at these places will be refused.


Financial expert Amjad Nasser points out that Islamic banks use specific codes provided by Visa and MasterCard to classify the nature of merchants, in order to comply with legal requirements. These merchants are categorized as engaging in activities that do not align with Islamic law. Therefore, at these establishments, Islamic bank cards cannot be used for direct debit or credit payments.


He added that the Islamic bank's card system is programmed to reject transactions from such stores. This rule is stated in the terms and conditions of all categories of Islamic bank cards.


Nassir continued to explain that sometimes transactions may be conducted on these cards, but all transactions are monitored and reviewed for compliance with regulations by religious institutions or central banks. If any violations are found, the bank will be required to cease such illegal transactions and strictly adhere to established operating procedures.


He also mentioned that it is expected that all Islamic banks in the country will implement this policy. Despite some religious institutions in other countries believing that credit cards are the "personal property" of the cardholder, allowing them to freely use and bear the consequences, in the UAE, religious institutions have unanimously agreed not to allow the use of cards issued by Islamic banks to purchase goods that do not adhere to religious law.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Kazakhstan Police Seize Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth $4,078 USD in Balkhash
Kazakhstan Police Seize Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth $4,078 USD in Balkhash
Kazakh police crackdown on illegal e-cigarette sales, seizing $4,078 worth of products in "Law and Order" operation.
Aug.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Shine at InterTabac 2025: Choose 2FIRSTS Exhibition Brand Promotion Package to Make Your Brand Seen Globally!
Shine at InterTabac 2025: Choose 2FIRSTS Exhibition Brand Promotion Package to Make Your Brand Seen Globally!
2FIRSTS will provide enterprises and brands with exclusive brand promotion resource packages, covering pre-exhibition warm-up, on-site interviews, and global release.
Aug.06
GFN Experts Warn: Misinformation is Killing Smokers
GFN Experts Warn: Misinformation is Killing Smokers
At the 2025 Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw, experts warned that misinformation about nicotine and safer alternatives is misleading the public and healthcare professionals, hindering smokers’ access to life-saving products.
Jun.27
Samsung Wins US E-Cigarette Battery Explosion Lawsuit; Judge Rules It Didn’t Enter Consumer Market
Samsung Wins US E-Cigarette Battery Explosion Lawsuit; Judge Rules It Didn’t Enter Consumer Market
Samsung SDI escaped liability in a U.S. lawsuit over a vape battery explosion after an appeals court ruled it had no direct ties to the consumer vape market and took steps to prevent unauthorized use of its batteries.
Jul.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Senators Question FDA’s Approval of JUUL, Demand Full Data and Review Records by Deadline
U.S. Senators Question FDA’s Approval of JUUL, Demand Full Data and Review Records by Deadline
Eight Democratic Senators have written to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary questioning the approval of JUUL e-cigarettes. They demand an explanation for the approval despite JUUL not restricting device access, and request all communications, data, and staff involvement related to JUUL since 2025, with a response deadline of August 22.
Aug.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ETN: Tracking Regulatory Changes in Tobacco Laws Worldwide
ETN: Tracking Regulatory Changes in Tobacco Laws Worldwide
Since 2024, global tobacco regulation has shown diverging trends: several European countries have imposed flavor bans and disposable vape restrictions; Australia’s “prescription model” faces black market challenges; North America’s stricter flavor controls have sparked market debate; while Asian nations are seeking a balance between economic interests and public health.
Jul.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai