Question
Assalām o ‘alaykum,
Answer
Involving in an interest-based transaction, in particular as the receiver of interest, is strictly forbidden in Islam.
However, like other rules of Sharī‘ah, if abiding by this rule results in severe difficulty of such an extent that it would be no longer possible to have a normal life with dignity, then these rules can be temporarily relaxed. This is because dignity and security are two important aspects of life of every human being and without them even our religious life can be affected.
It will be up to the individual to judge whether the above-mentioned exception to the rule is applicable to his/her situation. This can be done only after a reasonable study of other available options and if needed after consultation with financial experts. In any case, while benefitting from this permission reasonable effort should be made to take advantage of the possible opportunities, as and when they emerge, in order to abide by the rules of Sharī‘ah.
Answered by: Farhad Shafti
Date: 2015-03-28
