What is the ruling on taking an interest-based loan to purchase a home when no other option is available besides interest-based banks, knowing that Islamic banks only deal with Jordanian nationals?
Usury (riba) is one of the greatest prohibitions, and it is impermissible to engage in it except out of a legal necessity. Therefore, it is not permissible to commit it for the purpose of purchasing a home unless one is in a dire straits and hardship that can only be alleviated by it. Among the considered legal necessities is if a Muslim finds no other way to secure housing except through this means. If one is able to rent and there is no excessive hardship beyond what can ordinarily be borne, then it is forbidden for him to borrow with usury. Otherwise, necessities permit prohibitions. By hardship, we mean that the rent consumes his income, leaving him with insufficient funds for himself and those he supports, based on the Almighty’s saying: "And He has already explained to you what He has forbidden for you, except for that which you are compelled to [eat or use]," and His saying: "But whoever is compelled, neither desiring [it] nor transgressing, there is no sin upon him." One should be wary of Satan beautifying borrowing with usury.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/146683