Question Summary:
Our only option is a student loan

Question Detail:

 
My son will be going university in UK very soon, he has very good grades in A levels, he wants to study at university. our financial situation is not enough to pay for his fees, only option is a student loan with interest, please advise, he has potential, we do not want him to lose out. Pleas advise further, how we can go about it.
جزاكم الله خيرا
 

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Brother in Islam,
Your concern for your child’s education is understandable. It is every parent’s wish that their children succeed in their endeavours. 
You have stated that the only option that your child has is to take a student loan. However, as you have rightly pointed out, the stipulation of interest in a student loan is a matter of great concern.
We commend you for acknowledging this concern. 
It is impermissible to give interest money, just as it is impermissible to take interest money. 
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has said:
لَعَنَ اللهُ آكِلَ الرِّبَا وَمُوْكِلَهُ وَشَاهِدَيْهِ وَكَاتِبَهُ
“Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم cursed the accepter of interest and its payer, and one who records it, and the two witnesses, and he said: They are all equal.” 
 
Our Deen plays an integral role in our lives. It precedes all matters and should be given priority over all things.
 
Considering this, we would advise that you take a Qardh Hasan to fund you child’s student fees.
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Maaz Chati
Student Darul Iftaa
Blackburn, England, UK
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
 
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