What is the ruling on taking an interest-bearing loan from a bank out of dire necessity, such as to complete studies, or to buy a car for the family or a house, if the borrower cannot find anyone to lend to him without interest?

Usury (riba) is forbidden for both the lender and the borrower, as well as for those who assist them, such as the scribe and the witnesses. This is due to the generality of the verses and hadiths that prohibit it and curse those who deal with it, such as the Almighty’s saying: (Those who consume interest will not stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity) and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who feeds it, its scribe, and its two witnesses, and he said: 'They are all equal (in sin).'" A Muslim is not permitted to borrow with interest because it is among the major sins, and Allah has enriched him with lawful means of earning, such as work and trade. As for those unable to work and the poor, it is permissible for them to ask for charity, Zakat, and social welfare.