Is the additional amount stipulated by the lender in exchange for the loan considered usury (riba), and how can one be absolved from the consequences of this transaction if it is unlawful?
A loan with a stipulated increase is usury (riba), which is forbidden by the Qur’an, the , and scholarly consensus. It is considered one of the major sins. This contract is invalid, and one must repent from it and cease engaging in it. The lender is not permitted to take the increase; he is only entitled to his principal. If the lender insists on the increase and resorts to the courts, the true nature of the matter can be explained to the judge. If you fear harm or falsehood, it is permissible to pay the full amount as stated in the document to avert harm, and the lender bears the sin of consuming usury. Sincere repentance from this forbidden contract is obligatory, and it might be better to seek mediation from someone who can speak with the lender and inform him of the Islamic ruling.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/16746
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 16746
- 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