Is imposing fees on the borrower awareness course considered an usurious condition in the Productive Families Lending Program?
It is permissible to lend productive families an interest-free loan () repayable in installments, as this is an act of righteousness and benevolence. However, it is not permissible to stipulate attendance at a paid training course in exchange for the loan, because this falls under contracts of exchange in lending, which is forbidden by Islamic law, just as "a loan combined with a sale is not permissible," as it is a means to usury. Nevertheless, it is permissible for the lending institution to charge the actual cost of the loan, such as fees for paperwork and case study, provided these are within the limits of the actual expenses; any increase beyond this is forbidden. As for awareness, the courses must be free of charge.
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