Fatwa ID: 08305

Answered by: Mufti Sheik Abdel Ahaad Imrit

Question:

Is it permissible to write a letter to a bank / credit union on behalf of a customer so that they may be able to attain a loan?

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

Answer:

Allah the highest states:

وَتَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْعُدْوَٰنِ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ ٢

“Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in punishment.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:2)

It has been narrated by Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the one who accepts interest, its payer, the recorder of the transaction, and the two witnesses, saying: “They are all equal.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1598, Vol. 5, Pg. 50, Darul Minhaaj)

From the above verse and narration, we understand that any action directly connected to a sinful act, serving as a means for its occurrence, is prohibited in Islam.

If such an act did not take place, the sin would not have materialised. Consequently, anyone facilitating such an action bears the sin as well. (Jawahirul Fiqh, Vol. 7, Pg. 510)

Therefore, writing this letter would not be permissible, as it would directly contribute to someone engaging in riba (usury), which is explicitly forbidden by Islamic law.

«صحيح مسلم» (5/ 50):

عَنْ جَابِرٍ قَالَ: « لَعَنَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم آكِلَ الرِّبَا وَمُوكِلَهُ، ‌وَكَاتِبَهُ وَشَاهِدَيْهِ، وَقَالَ: هُمْ سَوَاءٌ ».

Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.

Written by Mufti Sheik Abdel Ahaad Imrit

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham