693. Dealing With Interest

By Asma Bint Shameem

This is clear interest and dealing with interest in any way is absolutely prohibited. 

It’s one of the most *serious major sins.* 

And the ONLY sin about which Allaah says “Get ready for *WAR* with Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam” 

Allaah says:

"O you who believe! Fear Allaah and give up what is still due to you from Ribaa if you are (truly) believers." (al-Baqarah:278)

And then He WARNS us:

"And if you do not do it, then take a notice of WAR from Allaah and His Messenger." [al-Baqarah:279] 

And Jaabir radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam CURSED ten people: 

the one who consumes ribaa, the one who pays ribaa, the one who writes it down, the two who witness it, the one who makes it lawful, the one for whom it is made lawful...” (Saheeh Muslim)

So if someone earned interest in some way, they should:

- make sincere Taubah and never repeat their sin

-they should take out any money in an interest bearing account and put it in a *non-interest bearing account*. 

Usually “checking accounts” or “current accounts” are non interest bearing. 

Any Interest that they’ve earned should be calculated then given to the poor as charity. 

And that can be in ANY charitable cause. 

Or it can be spent on anything *that is charitable or helps others.*

*But you can NOT use that interest amount for your OWN benefit*. 

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“With regard to the interest that the bank has given to you, do not give it back to the bank and do not consume it yourself; rather spend it on charitable causes, such as giving it to the poor, repairing public washrooms, and helping debtors who are unable to pay off their debts.” [Fataawa Islamiyyah (2/407)]

However, Allaah will not accept that charity and it will not count as a good deed from them because the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“O people, Allaah is pure and he accepts only what is pure.” (Muslim)

So even though that charity will not count, at least someone can benefit from it and it’s better than throwing it away. 

The one who receives this money is not sinful and this money is halaal for them, because it’s not their fault that this money was earned from forbidden means. 

And Allaah knows best