Is it permissible to use a sum of money to meet the needs of one's mother and brother instead of paying off an interest-based debt (riba) secured by gold jewelry, in order to discontinue dealing with usury after becoming aware of its prohibition?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Spending on oneself and on those whose maintenance is obligatory, such as parents, takes precedence over paying off debt. This includes providing suitable housing. If the mother's house is not fit for habitation except by renovation, then its renovation takes precedence over paying off debt. However, if it is fit for habitation and the renovation is for perfection or adornment, then paying off debt takes precedence. You are not obligated to pay off your brother's debt; rather, your only obligation is to pay off your own debt.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/55370
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 55370
- 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