How can I finance a new business without getting a loan?

Q: How can I finance a new business without getting a loan? My aim is to open a business but for the capital I would need to go to the bank, which they have agreed to lend. But on the other hand I feel this is forbidden as it involves interest. This is my only […]

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Is a Muslim better off earning no interest on money in the bank, or taking interest with the intention of giving it to the poor?

Q: Is a Muslim better off earning no interest on money in the bank, or taking interest with the intention of giving it to the poor? الجواب حامدًا و مصليًا و منه الصدق و الصواب A: If it is possible to open an account with an Islamic bank or the Islamic window of a conventional […]

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If a Muslim is working as a cab driver, can they charge a customer who wants to go to a pub or nightclub?

Q: If a Muslim is working as a cab driver, can they charge a customer who wants to go to a pub or nightclub? الجواب حامدًا و مصليًا و منه الصدق و الصواب A: The basic principle in this type of issue is that according to Imām Abū Yūsuf and Imām Muḥammad if an individual […]

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Can I give my wealth to my children during my lifetime?

Q: Can I give my wealth to my children during my lifetime? I understand that when writing a will the Qurʾān tells us how our wealth should be distributed, e.g. 2/3 to the son and 1/3 to each of two daughters. But if I want to give my wealth to my children during my lifetime […]

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Are Muslims permitted to eat food bought from haram income (such as money falsely claimed in government benefits)?

Q: Are Muslims permitted to eat food bought from ḥarām income (such as money falsely claimed in government benefits)? الجواب حامدًا و مصليًا و منه الصدق و الصواب A: If one receives state benefits fraudulently the amount of excess benefit so received without entitlement must be returned to the state. If the excess benefit is […]

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Is it permissible for an Islamic institute to apply for a grant from the big lottery fund?

Q: Can you clarify whether its permissible for an Islamic institution to apply for a grant from the big lottery fund, either to Build a community centre operated by the Masjid Any other community building To build a masjid I understand buying a lottery ticket is impermissable, however is it permissable apply for a grant […]

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Is it illegal to pay for services in cash?

Q: I had a question pertaining to taxes with reference to an earlier fatwa published on your website: https://alqalam.org.uk/fatawa/can-i-be-held-liable-for-the-tax-evasion-of-my-employers/ In Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency(CRA) warns about what is called the Underground Economy (UE) [http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/undergroundeconomy/]. In light of thi 1) Is it permissible for Muslims to avail of services where the service provider(such as a […]

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Is it permissible to work in the tax department of the HMRC which is likely to have some involvement in interest based transactions?

Q: Is it permissible to work in the tax department of the HMRC which is likely to have some involvement in interest based transactions? I enquired from HMRC whether or not throughout the role there is any interest related transactions such as charging or taking interest, I got the following reply “In respect of charging interest […]

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Are the products offered by Al Rayan bank Shari’ah compliant?

Q: Are the Home Purchase and Buy to let products offered by Al Rayan Shari’ah compliant? A: Al Qalam Shariah Panel have not audited Al Rayan bank’s products hence we are not able to comment on their shariah compliance. Each of the banks that offer Shari’ah compliant home purchase plans have a panel of external […]

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Is it permissible to declare false earnings?

Q: It is permissible to show false earnings to get the Islamic home finance? Also will the rental money earned from such property be halal?   A: Declaring false earning is not permissible as it is prohibited to deceive others. The prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever deceived us is not one of us”. [Muslim] […]

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What is the view on working as a payment protection insurance handler?

Q: Is it permissible as a case handler investigating payment protection insurance complaints? The role involves the following aspects:  1) Investigating PPI complaints and if they have been mis-sold. The role involves identifying if a policy was mis-sold by following bank process and procedures and determining if a case is mis-sold. 2) Role operates from a bank […]

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