Is it Correct to Accept Money From an Illicit Source?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question: Assalaamu Alaikum, If someone lent somebody halal money and the person returns the money from a haram source. Is it okay to accept that money?

Answer: Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Yes, you can take the money from them. In general, when someone acquires money we don’t look at the actual banknotes. We look at the money that is in his possession, some of which could be from a halal source. You can assume that the repaid to you was from an alternative halal source. (Usmani, Fiqh al Buyu’)

The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, told us, “Love for people what you would love for yourself.” (Ibn Majah) Being safe from the punishment for such activities is something everyone would want for themselves. Therefore, if you think it will make a difference, try advising this person in a gentle, understanding manner.

You never know, maybe your words will have a positive effect on them. Regardless, you should pray for such a person to be given the ability to get out of that situation.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Qur’anic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Qur’anic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.