Buying a car in US with Riba

12-6-2000 | IslamWeb

Question:

I would like to purchase a new Car. Here in America they don’t know what is meant by "baye Alajal." So please advise me as I am in dire need of a car, so I can make the living here? The only way is to get involved in APR which is interest and I can't afford to pay for it in cash; I have to make payments.

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Answer:

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.

Dear brother,

First of all, we ask Allah to make a way out to your difficulty, facilitate your matter, and relieve you from every hardship. You should know that dealing with Riba (interest and/or usury) is among the biggest sins. Allah threatens anyone who gets involved in usury/interest of a very severe punishment. It is just like declaring war against Allah; and who has the power to do this?

Allah Says (what means): {O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger.} [Quran 2: 278-279

Since dealing with Riba is of this degree of seriousness, then a wise person who expects to meet Allah and fears His Punishment should not dare to deal with Riba and take it as a solution to his problems or for fulfilling his needs. In addition, know that money from interest is not blessed; Allah Says (what means): {Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities.} [Quran 2: 276]

Therefore, we advise you to avoid dealing with Riba and seek a lawful means (without resorting to interest). You should fear Allah, be patient and strive to deal only in permitted transactions in Islam; surely Allah will help you.

Allah Says (what means): {Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever.} [Quran 2:276]

Allah knows best.