Unjustly claiming from the U.I.F

Question:-

The U.I.F offered to pay out employees that were not employed during the lockdown period. However, if an accountant claims from the UIF for a company that was open for business during the lockdown, then will such a claim be considered as legitimate in terms of Shariah?

Answer:-

The U.I.F is a fund primarily established to assist unemployed people. During the lockdown period, many people were left temporarily unemployed due to the lockdown, hence, many people were left in a financial crisis and difficulty. The relief granted by the government was to assist such individuals, hence, companies that were unable to remunerate employees were permitted to claim from the U.I.F.

This relief was not intended for employees that were employed and earning during the lockdown period. Therefore, it is incorrect for the said accountant to claim from the U.I.F.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 14 Rajab 1443 / 16 February 2022