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Ruling on borrowing from one whose wealth is haram

26-01-2011

Question 74986

Is it permissible to borrow money from a person who is known to deal in haram things and to be engaged in haram actions?.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

You should not borrow from this person or have any dealings with him so long as he is dealing in haram things or is known for haram dealings, whether that is riba or anything else. You should not deal with him or borrow from him, rather you should avoid that and keep away from it. 

But if he deals with haram things and non-haram things, i.e., his dealings are a combination of good and bad, then there is nothing wrong with it, but it is better not to do that, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi. 2518; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi. And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever avoids doubtful matters will protect his religious commitment and his honour.” Agreed upon. And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Sin is that which wavers in your heart and you dislike the people finding out about.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2389; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi. 

So the believer should keep away from doubtful matters. If you know that all his dealings are haram and that he trades in haram things, then you should not deal with such a person or borrow from him. End quote. 

Majmoo’ Fatawa Ibn Baz, 19/286.

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