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Fatwa CenterBuying a house on a loan
Question
I've read some questions about Riba in this website, and when I saw Fatwa no. 84041. I really got scared. My family came to the U.S about 4 years ago, and the only way we could get a house was taking a loan, and then repaying that loan, of course, with interest. Now I know that this is Haram, but what were we suppose to do? If we had rented an apartment, we would've paid more than what we pay for the loan each month, and it wouldn't be really comfortable because we tried living in one here, but it didn't work. The only reason we came here is that so I could learn in a good university, and I am doing that. I can't wait till I graduate and pay their loan as fast as possible. Until then, what are we suppose to do? Can we live with this haram or what can we do? It would be almost impossble to pay the loan now, cause it is really big.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Dear brother, we ask (Allaah) the Great and Almighty, to grant you success and to drive away your worries and grief. We have understood your problem. But, we ask you to tell us which stand is easiest for you:
1 -To bear some financial troubles or,
2 -To be liable to Allaah's wrath in this world and His torment in the Hereafter!
No doubt the first one is your correct choice.
Therefore, as a rule, you should not deal with any form of Ribaa (usury or interest) and do your best to find those who are ready to deal with you in installments (with no Ribaa involved), even if they sell to you for a higher price. Otherwise, we advise you to rent a house and to be patient until Allaah relieves you of your distress. As for your present situation concerning dealing with Ribaa, you should repent to Allaah, the Great and Almighty, and to get rid of debt, if possible by selling the house and settling your debts. Otherwise you can adhere to the agreement you have had with the owner of the house. You also have to seek Allaah's forgiveness and to increase your good deeds so that you may obtain Allaah's pardon.
Finally, we advise you not to live in a country where you may be forced to commit sins or to do any forbidden actions.
Allaah Knows best.
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