What is the ruling on interest-bearing loans, with interest rates ranging from zero to four percent, offered by the Social Fund of a quasi-governmental company? And can these interest rates be considered expenses for the Fund or compensation for the depreciation of money's value?

The basic principle is that it is impermissible to take a return for a loan, for every loan that draws a benefit is usury (riba). However, it is permissible to take administrative fees, provided that it is a fixed amount not tied to the loan amount or its duration, and that it does not exceed the actual cost of administration. Any increase beyond the actual services rendered is forbidden because it is considered usury.