Question Summary:
Taking interest bearing loans for college/university

Question Detail:

As-salāmu ʿalaykum Mufti Ebrahim Desai,

Answer :

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

Your desire to help the ummah is praiseworthy. However, it is not permissible to commit a wrong to do a praiseworthy cause. It is not permissible to take interest bearing loans^[1], especially when cheaper universities and alternative careers are available. You may consider applying for financial aid if that it is available to you.

And Allaah Ta’aala Knows Best.

Muajul I. Chowdhury

Student, Darul Iftaa

Astoria, New York, USA

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

_______

^[1] Almighty Allaah says,

يا أيها الذين آمنوا اتقوا الله وذروا ما بقي من الربا إن كنتم مؤمنين. فإن لم تفعلوا فأذنوا بحرب من الله ورسوله وإن تبتم فلكم رءوس أموالكم لا تظلمون ولا تظلمون.

Translation: “O you who believe, fear Allaah and give up what still remains of interest if you are true believers. But if you do not (give it up), then be informed of the declaration of war from Allaah and His Messenger. However, if you repent, for you is your capital. Neither wrong, nor be wronged. (Al-Baqarah v.278-279)

Consider the following Hadith,

لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم آكل الربا وموكله وكاتبه وشاهديه وقال هم سواء.

Translation: Sayyiduna Jaabir (Radhiyallaahu ‘anh) narrates that Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) cursed those who are involved in usury; whether it is the person who is giving usury, receiving it, writing the transaction or witnessing it. (Muslim)