Can Emergency Funds Be Used for Daily Needs?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

Can money given by a family member for future emergencies, like war, be used for immediate needs like food? If so, must the amount be repaid later? If repayment is difficult, is it permissible to use the money, and is the food purchased with it halal? What should be done if repayment isn’t possible?

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.

Yes, you can use the money given for any of your needs. Sometimes family members, after giving money, say, use it for emergencies, for example.

However, if the money is given as a loan, you can also use it for any of your needs, and it is important to have the intention to repay it. The loan must be repaid. If you find repayment difficult, try to discuss a repayment plan with the family member, even if it’s just a small amount. If this, too, is difficult, you can request that they forgive the loan entirely.

Every Claimant is Entitled to Speak

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) seeking the settlement of his loans, and he spoke harshly to him. This disturbed his companions, but the Prophet said,

“Leave him alone, for everyone with a right is entitled to speak.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

“There is no problem (la ba’s) in taking a loan if there is a genuine need, provided one intends to repay. However, if one takes a loan without intending to repay it, one will consume unlawful (haram) wealth.” [al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya]

Allah (Most High) said in the Quran:

“If it is difficult for someone to repay a debt, postpone it until a time of ease. And if you waive it as an act of charity, it will be better for you if only you knew.” [Quran, 2:280]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha’ Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.

Related

• The Fiqh of Borrowing and Loans
• Will Allah Help Me Pay Back My Loans?
• Do I Need To Write a Contract if I Lend Someone Money?

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum or the Youth Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received 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.