Is what the questioner did—taking a sum of money from his friend based on participation in a deal, without specifying a profit amount, and his inability to return the sum yet—considered usury (riba) or unlawful (haram)? And is it considered usury (riba) or unlawful (haram) if he asks him to keep the money to buy another deal and give him profits, while his financial distress continues and he is unable to be frank with his friend?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
What the questioner did is forbidden lying and cheating. He must repent from it, inform his companion of what happened, and seek his forgiveness for this injustice. The money is guaranteed upon him for its owner, and he is only obligated to return its equivalent without any increase.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/186798
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 186798
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy