Fatwa ID: 06283

Answered by: Maulana Burhaan Rahman

Question:

Can I enquire about mortgages if they are haram? Also, the rent in my area is equivalent to a mortgage like £1000 pm. In the Uk most landlord charge above and beyond so in the end it’s like we’re paying interest as their mortgage payments are paid by my rent.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

The basic principle of Islam regarding interest is that it is Haram and one should avoid it as much as he/she can as it is impermissible.

If we were to exhaust all our options and there were ways of avoiding mortgages we can easily say things like:

• Move to an area where rental rates are lower (we understand that this is easier said than done).
• Borrow from family/relatives/friends until you find another place or help you with your financial situation (again easier said than done).

Nowadays, some individuals in the UK can’t meet the monthly rent requirements and it may be unfortunate that they are living in an area which has high rates and to move out it’ll be extremely difficult. In the UK, rent prices are rising quickly, making it extremely challenging to keep up with other costs like petrol, insurance, household bills, and school expenses. Although there are some situations where taking out a mortgage is required, one should be aware that doing so is a serious sin if there isn’t a real necessity, and even if one does, one should still seek Allah for help and be aware of what they are doing. Allah is aware of every person’s situation.

The legal maxim of Islamic law mentions:

الضرورات تبيح المحظورات

Necessity renders prohibited things permissible.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Burhaan Rahman

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham