Is It Haram to Accept a House from Social Housing That Was Built Through Interest-Based Loans?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Am I involved in Riba by accepting a flat from social housing if it was built through interest-based loans, and rent contributes to loan repayment?
Answer
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
You are not involved in interest (riba) by renting a social housing flat in this case, because you are not a party to the interest-bearing loan. The prohibition applies to those who directly contract in interest.
Your rental agreement is a separate contract, and it is permissible because your rent is for benefiting from the property. The fact that the landlord may use your rent to repay their own interest-based loan does not make you a party to that loan.
General Accountability of Sin
In general, one has no control over the actions of others and will not be held accountable by Allah for their deeds. Allah says: “Say, ˹O Prophet, “Should I seek a lord other than Allah while He is the Lord of everything?” No one will reap except what they sow. No soul burdened with sin will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you of your differences.” [Quran, 6:164]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
