Can I Respond to an Invitation to a Riba-Purchased Home?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible for me to accept an invitation from Muslims to a house that was undoubtedly purchased with riba (interest)? Similarly, does the same ruling apply when I must travel in a vehicle financed through Riba? I am concerned about whether, by doing so, I might inadvertently be subject to Allah’s curse or if I have erred in some way.

Please advise me on the correct procedure, considering these invitations are not for necessities. They are merely for short journeys that I could undertake on foot or by bus, or for attending a house for occasions like weddings or aqiqa.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

The scenarios in question do not constitute sin, participating in sin, or assisting in sin. You may accept such invitations and use such transportation, and Allah knows best.

Direct Involvement in Riba Transactions

Engaging in transactions or benefiting from goods acquired through riba (usury or interest) is addressed with gravity, reflecting the strong prohibition of riba in the Quran and Sunna. It is well known that Allah (Most High) and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) have severely warned against dealing with riba, which is considered a major sin.

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) cursed (the Arabic word la’n refers to being distanced from the Mercy of Allah) the accepter of interest and its payer, and one who records it, and the two witnesses, and he said: “They are all equal.” [Muslim]

No Involvement

However, when responding to an invitation to a house purchased with riba or traveling in a vehicle known to be financed through riba, the issue at hand is different from the direct engagement in a riba-based transaction by the invitee or the passenger. Islamic legal principles differentiate between directly engaging in a prohibited transaction and benefiting from something indirectly linked to such a transaction in a secondary manner.

In general, when invited to a house for occasions such as a wedding or aqiqa, or when offered a ride in a vehicle not owned by oneself, the primary consideration for the invitee or the passenger is the nature of the invitation or the ride itself, rather than the financial transactions that led to the ownership of the house or vehicle.

If the invitation is for a lawful (halal) occasion and the means of transportation is used for a permissible purpose, then accepting the invitation or the ride would not in itself constitute a sin or warrant the curse of Allah, especially when the individual accepting has not participated in the riba transaction.

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: “And every soul earns not (blame) except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.” [Quran 6:164]

Accountability for Enabling Sin

If our actions knowingly and intentionally enable or facilitate sinning for others, we incur a share of the blame. Allah says: “Whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a share in the reward, and whoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a share in the burden. And Allah is Watchful over all things.” [Quran, 4:85]

Widespread Riba

Riba is unlawful for the giver, the receiver, the scribe, and the witness, and if one’s involvement constitutes those roles, such involvement is generally unlawful. If one were to extend the prohibition beyond that, to any involvement albeit distant, then everyone would be affected by riba, and this was prophesized by our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “A time will come upon people in which they will consume Riba.” It was said, “All of the people?” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever does not consume it will be affected by its dust.” [Ahmad]

Encouraging Righteousness

Nevertheless, it is vital for Muslims to encourage one another towards financial dealings that are lawful and to avoid riba to the best of their ability. Especially because riba is such an enormity in Sacred Law.

Allah (Most High) says: “O believers! Fear Allah, and give up outstanding interest if you are ˹true˺ believers. If you do not, beware of war with Allah and His Messenger! But if you repent, you may retain your principal—neither inflicting nor suffering harm. [Quran, 2:278-279]

This encouragement can be done with wisdom and gentleness, acknowledging the challenges many face in financial matters. Remember, the goal of Sacred Law is to facilitate ease and remove hardship, and every situation may have nuances that affect the ruling.

Thus, engaging with the community and its needs while striving for personal piety and adherence to Islamic principles should always be balanced in a compassionate and pragmatic manner.

May Allah guide us to what pleases Him and help us to make choices that bring us closer to His mercy and forgiveness.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.