Question:
There is an organisation that gives shiurim and courses. They are offering a 50% discount if you pay early. as far as my knowledge goes, this would be ribis?
Answer:
Hello,
On the surface it would appear to be problematic, however there are number of factors which might make it permissible. First of all, if the business has a heter iska, then they will rely on that. If the discount is because they are saving on secretarial work, etc., that would also help, however the discount here is too large for that to be applicable. There is another permitted factor here, which you can check out. If the business is willing to take post-dated checks from you, then it would be permitted. The reason is because that would show that the reason for the discount is not in order to get a loan from their customers, rather for other reasons, and then it would be permitted.
Additionally, I would suggest that you bring this point to their attention, and see whatthey say.
Best wishes