Is it permissible to repay a usurious loan I took from a friend, knowing that she obtained it through illicit means (passing a tender transaction and taking a percentage), and is repaying this debt considered a "gift" or "repaying the unlawful with the unlawful"?

The intent behind taking money through the processing of a tender transaction is unclear. However, if it was ill-gotten wealth, then repentance is obligatory, and it must be returned to its rightful owner. The methods of disposing of it vary: if it was in exchange for an illicit benefit, it should be spent on general Muslim welfare projects or given to the poor. If not, it should be returned to its owner or the owning entity, or given as charity on their behalf if reaching them is impossible. You are permitted to take from it if you are among the poor.

Regarding borrowing with usury, repentance is obligatory, and the principal amount must be returned. If it is possible not to return the interest, then do not return it. If expediting repayment waives the interest, then hasten to do so; otherwise, do not hasten.

We also draw attention to the impermissibility of friendship between unrelated men and women.