I want to start a business for which I need a fair amount of money. I need to do the business as I am unemployed and not finding any job as there is a great job crisis in India and especially for a Muslim. Since I need money for which I intend to apply for loan from our government. If I get it then it is okay otherwise I have to look for other sources. Since nobody intends to give money I have to go to a moneylender who will charge me interest which is forbidden in Islam. But I am helpless as I need money to do something to live. I know it is forbidden to give and take interest but there is no one to give loan without interest. So please guide me if I can take the money just for once to set up my business and, Insha Allah, I intend to return all money also. Please advise me in this respect. You know I am helpless and if I soon do not start doing something I will start getting humiliated in front of my family members. Will Allah forgive this as I am helpless and compelled to do this? If you can give me some addresses where I can get loan without interest. Please help your Muslim brother to be employed and face the world with head held high. Please reply within one week as I have to make the decision quickly. Please do not take this as command but as a request for the sake of Allah. May Allah bless you all.

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.

As you know, dealing in Riba (usury/interest) is one of the grave major sins and it is among the forbidden acts which are strongly condemned.

Therefore, no one is permitted to commit it except when there is a dire necessity while there are no permissible alternatives available.

For instance, if a person does not have cloth to cover himself, or does not have food to feed himself, or cannot find a residence to hire except with interest, then in such hard situations it becomes permissible for him to deal in Riba.

As for dealing with Riba only to establish a business or to have money, then this is not permissible. No benefit can be expected from a business that is started with what is forbidden. Allah Says (what means): {Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever.} [Quran 2:276]

On the other hand, the lack of money or the fear of being humiliated by family members are not sound Islamic reasons for committing what is forbidden.

We do not know any authorities that provide loans without Riba. Anyway, you may consult the Muslim organizations in your area as well as those, in Islamic countries.

Have trust in Allah and seek His Help and Protection; He will surely help you.

May Allah make the lawful ways easy for you and for us and provide you and us with lawful means for living.

Allah knows best.