Q: Can a Muslim take out a usuruous loan to support their family if they are living in conditions that are dangerous such as, if their home is being burglarized and living in a dangerous neighborhood filled with gangs and drugs? Is this a condition of zaroorah (necessity) or haajah (need)? Can one commit a major sin, dealing with Riba (Usury/Interest), in order to get his family away from these conditions. Please advise.
A: Taking an interest bearing loan from the bank is impermissible as the element of riba (interest) is found in it. Grave warnings have been sounded in the Ahaadith for the one who gets involved in the major sin of interest. In the Qur’an Shareef Allah Ta`ala warns all those who deal in the grave sin of interest. Allah Ta`ala says: “If you do not do so [desist from dealing in interest] then be prepared to wage war against Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).” Can one ever imagine being on a warpath with Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)? Can a person ever enjoy any success and happiness in life if he is at war with Allah Ta’ala, the Creator of the universe?
In the Hadith it is reported from Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) had 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)