Does One Have to Dispose of Accumulated Interest Money from the Deceased’s Inheritance Before the Distribution of Inheritance?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I hope you’re well. My father earns interest on his bank account even though I’ve reminded him it’s haram. He now has early dementia, so I’ve given up as it causes more agitation. However, I’m concerned that once he dies, will the interest earned have to be deducted from his account before the inheritance rules are applied – (the interest totals into the thousands)? Are there any charities, etc., where it’s good to donate the earned interest sum? Thanks and jazakAllah khairan
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
You should consult your other possible heirs and dispose of the interest to the poor or a project with a general public benefit. Although there is no religious reward for doing so, it at least disposes of the haram funds in a Shariah-compliant way. You should look for charities in your country, or you may dispose of it yourself by giving it to the poor or any project you choose. See the links below.
[Usmani, Fiqh al-Buyu’]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.
Related Answers
Interest – Ummah Welfare Trust (uwt.org)
Riba | Donate Your Interest | Muslim Aid
Interest disposal – Emaan Relief
Getting Rid of Haram Money Archives – SeekersGuidance
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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 is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
