Q: Recently, I applied for a student loan (which I will have to pay interest on) to be able to afford a car to go to college. I have heard that paying interest is haram but I’m under pressure from my family to get the loan so they don’t constantly have to pick and drop me off to college. I don’t want to be a burden on them either because it’s an inconvenience to their busy schedule so I decided to apply for the loan. Is it okay if I pay off the loan as soon as I can and whatever interest I pay, I give the same amount in sadaqa? By the way, I do plan on using the car to go to the masjid for Jummah and fajr prayers inshallah, so if it enables me to better fulfill my duties towards islam would it be sinful for me to have paid that interest?
A: Purchasing a car through the bank is impermissible as the element of interest is found. Grave warnings have been sounded in the Ahaadith for the one who gets involved into the major sin of interest. Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) cursed the one who consumes interest, pays interest, the scribe for the interest bearing deal and the witness to such a deal.”
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)