Q: I recently learnt from a respected relative that a lecture regarding interest was held at our local masjid wherein it was mentioned that muslims may utilise their interest on the following:
1. To pay one’s fines.
2. To pay one’s toll fees.
3. To pay one’s licence fee of motor vehicle.
Kindly advise if there is any truth in the above as I am most unsure about this.
A: It is impermissible for one to intentionally accumulate interest money. However if interest money had come in ones possession unintentionally one should immediately dispose of it through giving it to the poor without the intention of reward. Using interest money to pay for bank charges, toll road charges or any valid service (e.g. license fee, etc) is impermissible. According to some Ulama’ it is permissible to use interest money for paying the rates of one’s property, government taxes and one’s speeding fines.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)