Fatwa ID: 01639

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

The Prohibition of Interest

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)

Allah is the Most Merciful and he forgives everybody’s sins.  If a person had been taking interest or was involved in interest bearing transactions, he should seek forgiveness from Allah . 

Allah in the Holy Quran has said:

“Say, ‘O servants of mine who have acted recklessly against their own selves, do not despair of Allah’s mercy.  Surely Allah will forgive all sins.  Surely he is the Most Forgiving, the Very Merciful’.”   (Surah Az-Zumar v.53)

Sa’id Ibn Jubayr reports from Saaiduna Ibn Abbas  that there were some people who killed a lot of people unjustly and had committed a lot of shameful acts.  They came to the Holy Prophet of Allah and said, “The religion you invite us to is, no doubt, very good, but we have a problem.  We think about all the major sins we have already committed.  Now if we were to become Muslims, do you hope our repentance will be accepted?”  Thereupon, Allah  revealed this verse.

The repentance made from sins, no matter how serious, even from kufr and shirk, gets to be accepted.  And by genuine tawbah, all sins will be forgiven; therefore, no one should lose hope in the mercy of Allah .  (Maariful Quran p.573 v.7)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham