What is the ruling on dealing with a loan from a bank with a 3% interest rate paid for services, knowing that the lending bank is now demanding this interest which used to be spent on general Muslim affairs? Is it permissible to use usurious money out of necessity or to pay off the debts of some participating youths, and what is advised to make the money lawful in the absence of Islamic banks in the country, and is it better for Muslims to benefit from this interest or for the foreign bank to keep it?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to borrow with interest except in a case of dire necessity. Similarly, it is not permissible to deposit money in interest-based banks and continue with prohibited dealings unless there is fear for the money and no other place to safeguard it. Usurious gains should be spent on the welfare of Muslims, and one should not benefit from them except in a case of extreme necessity. It is obligatory to repent to Allah and abstain from dealing with usury.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/69989
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 69989
- 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