Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
My friend has a question that she wants me to forward to you all: I feel so bad because I read all these ayat and ahadith about how we should spend in Allah’s cause, yet I am on an educational loan for 8 years and since I have debts, I feel like I shouldn’t donate money before paying off my debts. Then it will take me a few years to pay off my debts after completing my education, so that is basically 8-10 years I will spend of my life not donating a cent to any Islamic cause. Should I not feel bad because I should not donate money if I have debts or should I just donate freely while having debts at the same time?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
Given that interest would eventually compound on most student loans, one should be frugal with how one spends such funds.
At the same time, remember the words of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), “Every act of good is charity.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
If you can’t give money, then give of your time by helping others in the best and most beneficial ways you can find.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani