Bought Car on Interest Fatwa No: 85507
- Fatwa Date:27-1-2003
I bought a car 2 years ago and it was not financed through an Islamic bank, and I regret now. The bank already took its interest (7000 AED) just small interest (1000 AED)is remaining. Shall I continue paying the installments till the end of the agreement date or sell the car in lost? The bank doesn't want me to return the car, but to transfer it someone else, because the bank wants to make interest from someone else. Please tell me what to do because I feel guilty and I want to Allah is forgiveness!
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.
Praise be to Allah who blessed you and enabled you to make repentance. We supplicate Allah to grant you steadfastness on the right path.
If you can pay the entire installments at once, then you have to do so since the bank drops its interest if the installments are paid earlier. Trying to get rid of Riba (usury or interest) is an obligation. If you cannot pay them without interest, then you may pay them with interest since you are forced to pay it (the interest). If you are compelled, then you may take time to avoid any harm since the Sharee’ah does not approve any harm. There is a general ruling in the Sharee’ah that reads: "There should be no harm nor reciprocal harm."
Allah knows best.