Fatwa ID: 01857

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

Would an interest based loan for a needy be permissible to pay for a kidney transplant

Answer:

In the Holy Quran Allah has said:

“Allah has permitted transactions and has forbidden riba” (Surah Al Baqarah v.275)

The Prophet of Allah  has cursed the person who takes interest, who gives interest and who writes it and who witnesses it.”

(Mishkaatul-Masabeeh p.244 v.1)

“To take dirham of interest knowingly is worse than committing adultery 36 times.” (Mishkaatul-Masabeeh p.246 v.1)

The wealth of the riba-consumer, no doubt appears to be increasing, but no matter how increased is the wealth of the riba-consumer, he remains forever deprived of its fruits that is comfort and honour.  They will have less satisfaction and peace of heart.

However, a person who gives zakat and regularly gives sadqah will have more satisfaction and peace of heart, which is the real comfort.  (Maariful Quran p.674 v.1)

Allah in the Holy Quran has said:

“Allah destroys riba and nourishes charities”. (Surah Al-Baqarah v.276)

From the aforementioned information we can clearly deduce the prohibition of taking interest and also in dealing with it. However, if there is a situation like the one you mentioned in the question and other sources were tried to raise the money, but no avail, then in that situation it will be permissible to take an interest based loan to pay for a kidney transplant. (Jadeed Fiqhi Masaail p.402 v.1)

There is an Islamic principle:

“It is permissible for a needy person to take an (interest) based loan” (Al Ashbah p.115)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.