Question:

What do the scholars and experts of shari’ah say regarding my situation? I live in the UK and want to purchase an apartment in Turkey with no interest.  I have a mortgage on a house which is on rent. I also have a car for work upon which I also pay interest. Is it haram for me to purchase property in Turkey as I have debts already?

My intention is to sell property in Turkey after few years which I will inshAllah get profit and pay off my debts more quickly. Jazakallah.

Answer:

You can purchase an apartment in Turkey without interest. You have a good intention, and it is bringing you closer to rid you off your debts.

In the Islamic law, usury is regarded as exploitation of the weak by charging high rates of interest. The Quran states clearly: “Those who take usury will rise on the Day of Resurrection like the one distressed by the Satan’s touch. They think that ‘Trade and usury are the same,’ but God allowed trade and prohibited usury. Whoever, on receiving God’s warning… goes back to usury will be an inhabitant of the Fire, there to remain” (Al-Baqara: 275). Therefore, the taking and giving of usury is prohibited.

It has been narrated Abu Said al-Khudri that Sayyiduna Bilal brought barni dates to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ asked him, “Where have you brought these from?” Sayyiduna Bilal replied, “I had some poorer quality dates and exchanged two Sa’as of that for one Sa’a of barni dates to give it to the Prophet ﷺ to eat.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Beware! Beware! This is definitely usury! This is definitely usury! Do not do this, if you want to make a purchase, then sell the inferior dates for money and then buy the superior kind of dates with that money.” (Bukhari)

One should also reassess any existing loans and see how they can be minimised and quickly paid off. If you a paying interest for something which is not a necessity, such as a new car on finance when you can make do with something within your financial means, then this should be settled and cleared.

And Allah ﷻ knows the best

This fatwa is written by Dr Hafiz Muhammad Munir al-Azhari