Asalam alaykoum! my question is regarding using credit cards. Im a university student and goverment gives student benefit e.g. support money but the problem is in Australia their are no interest free banks, as far as I know. so basically the question is can I buy stuff e.g. clothes and food from this bank card cause the interest although very less might be mixed with the amount etc. pls help me, this is very confusing, will my salah be exceptedjQuery1110028708721725259667_1550485965647?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

There is a need to use credit cards in different transactions especially for residents in western countries. Therefore, there is no harm in doing something when there is a need for it, especially when the need has become widespread. This is based on the Islamic rule that reads: “Hardship brings ease.” However, this should be limited to the need only.

The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) said about the use of Visa cards:

“The question is about the use of such cards outside the Islamic world, and in a country where no Islamic banks exist. What is the religious ruling of using such cards? Most of the contemporary scholars, as far as we know, held that using them is permissible only in case of dire need and valid necessity, provided that the holder (card bearer) pays the due amount on time before the expiration of the grace period so as to avoid any usurious interests charges because of the delayed payment, and will accordingly bear the sin of engaging in an usurious transaction. This is the common practice of Muslims in western countries and no scholar, whose opinion holds considerable authority in this regard, has criticized that practice..." [End of quote]

Therefore, if you use the credit card for a need according to the decision of the European Council for issuing Fatwa, then there is no harm on you (you are not sinful) and this does not affect the validity of your prayers or your other acts of worship.

May Allah reward you for fearing to commit what is forbidden, and may He increase your zeal in this. If a person does what you do (fearing what is forbidden), then Allah will protect him and will not cause his deeds to be lost.

Allah Says (what means): {And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect.} [Quran 65:2-3]

For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 296455 and 329110.

Allah knows best.