“That which you give as an interest to increase the peoples’ wealth increases not with Allah; but that which you give in charity, seeking the goodwill of Allah, multiples manifold.” (Surah al-Rum, verse 39)

“And for their taking interest even though it was forbidden for them. And their wrongful appropriation of other peoples’ property. We have prepared a grievous punishment for those among them who reject faith.” (Surah al-Nisa, verse 161)

“O believers, take not doubled and redoubled interest and fear Allah that you may prosper. Fear the fire which has been prepared for those who reject faith, and obey Allah and the Prophet so that you may receive mercy.” (Surah Aal-Imran, verses 130-2)

Riba in Hadith

From Jabir: The Prophet cursed the receiver and the payer of interest, the one who records it, and the two witnesses to the transaction and said: They are all alike [in guilt]. (Tirmidhi)

From Abdallah ibn Hanzalah: The Prophet, said: “A dirham of riba which a man receives knowingly is worse than committing adultery thirty-six times.” (Mishkat al-Masabih)

From Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet said: “Riba has seventy segments, the least serious being equivalent to a man committing adultery with his own mother.” (Ibn Majah)

Fatwa (Islamic religious opinion)

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) 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).

Why is interest forbidden?

Interest is forbidden as it is a socially unjust mechanism for lending money. It benefits the rich to the detriment of the poor and also does not involve any investment risk for the lending party.

I have interest money or my bank account pays interest, what should I do?

If one has interest money from a bank account or elsewhere. Many scholars recommend this money is given to a charitable cause with the understanding that one will not receive any reward for the donation. The money should be used by the charitable organization to help the poor and needy. But is not to be used for certain projects such as the construction of mosques or the printing of the Quran.

Can I donate interest money to Crisis Aid?

Yes, you can. We will use your money to support our work helping save lives of the poor and needy. But will not use it on projects where interest should not be spent, such as the construction of mosques.