Question

I am a public university student. My father is a farmer who's monthly income is very low to mention and he can hardly afford to supply my monthly need every month. I don't have any income sources to bear my spending yet. This month I have to pay a good amount of money for my academic activities. I asked my parents to send me the money. As they don't have the ability, they borrowed the money from a money lender with the promise of giving interest. I don't have any other ways but taking the money and use it for my academic activities. How does that affect my study and future income which is based on my academic skill? Will it be halal for me to use the money? If not what I can do instead of taking the money?

Answer 1

Ref. No. 1774/43-1511

In the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful

The answer to your question is as follows:

It is good to strive for higher education, but keep in mind that Shariah restrictions are only for the safety of our future. Even with a good education, there is no guarantee that your worries will go away, though there is a likelihood of job. Therefore, while remaining within the realm of Shariah, you can continue your education by using whatever means are available and avoid usury based endeavor, otherwise the situation may become more severe in the future due to the menace of usury. Money lender’s loans in particular should be avoided altogether.

In this regard, keep in mind the suggestions of ‘Fiqh Academy of India’: If a person does not have the financial means and cannot get a non-interest loan and fears that he will be deprived of the required education, then such students should seek the suggestions of a trustworthy Mufti. So, you should put your situation in front of a reliable mufti and follow their advice. (Naye Masail awr Fiq academy ke fasile P 249)

And Allah knows best

Darul Ifta

Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband