Question
Assalam Alaikum
I came to Canada about 6 weeks ago. Iam a doctor and iam planning to get a licence to practice medicine here. The pathway to licensure will take about 6 months and involves tests and assessment process.
I found an association that offers low interest career loans to newcomers to help them through. I looked up Fatwas about this and found one that approves it in case of absolute necessity.
Iam not exactly sure if my situation represents absolute necessity but here are the facts
1. I was in my country until the war started . Maintained online teaching position with a salary less than 150 $ since then.
2. One of my sisters is the only one who still have a well paying job after the war and she is supporting e, my parents and siblings. She can cover the necessities on her regular income.
3. I have a settlement fund but it will not hold me for more than 3 more months. That doesn’t include tests and related expenses.
4. I can find a casual job but iam not sure i can find one to cover both living expenses and licensure related fees and still find time to prepare for the tests.
I really need your opinion considering all that please.
وجزاك الله خيرا كثيرا
Answer:
The general ruling on riba (interest)
There is no doubt that paying or receiving riba is strictly prohibited in Islam. It is among the major sins, and its warning in the Qur’an is severe. Allah says:
“O you who believe! Fear Allah and give up what remains of riba, if you are believers. But if you do not, then be warned of war from Allah and His Messenger…”
(Surah al-Baqarah, 2:278–279)
However, the Sharīʿah also teaches us that “necessity permits the prohibited.” This applies when three things are true:
1. There is a real and serious harm that cannot be removed except by the prohibited act.
2. The person only does what is necessary—no more.
3. The person remains displeased with the action in their heart and intends to leave it as soon as possible.
Scholars also distinguish between darūrah (absolute necessity) and ḥājah (pressing need). Darūrah is when life, health, or essential safety is at risk. Ḥājah is when there’s a serious difficulty or harm that does not reach that extreme level but still justifies a concession.
For example, the European Council for Fatwa and Research has stated that taking a conventional loan may be tolerated in cases of strong need—such as when someone is seeking a professional license that will secure their long-term ability to earn a lawful income, and no Sharīʿah-compliant alternatives are available.
Looking at your situation
You are not in immediate danger of losing food or shelter—alḥamdulillāh—but you are facing a serious hardship. Your settlement funds will run out within a few months, and you need to cover both living expenses and significant costs related to the medical licensure process. Relying on your sister—who is already supporting many family members—cannot continue indefinitely, and working a casual job might not allow enough time to prepare for your exams.
In light of this, it is clear that your case may not reach the level of absolute necessity (darūrah), but it does qualify as a strong pressing need (ḥājah shadīdah). That means, according to many scholars, if there are truly no halal alternatives available, a concession can be considered—but only after you have tried all permissible means first.
What should you do first?
Before taking any loan involving interest, it is obligatory for you to try every available halal path. Here are some suggestions:
Seek a qard ḥasan (interest-free loan).
Organizations like the Islamic Family & Social Services Association (IFSSA) in Edmonton, and national programs such as IANA Financial, may offer small, interest-free loans.
Look for grants or bursaries for international medical graduates (IMGs).
Explore programs offered by the Alberta government, settlement services, or hospital foundations that support newcomer professionals.
Ask trusted family or friends.
Even if someone cannot cover everything, a few small loans from multiple people could help.
If no halal option remain, the scholars who permit the exception require:
1. That the need is genuine and cannot be avoided.
2. That you borrow only the amount absolutely necessary—not more.
3. That you plan to repay the loan as quickly as possible to reduce the interest burden.
Meeting these conditions would make the loan a rukhṣah (a temporary permission), not a sin. You would not be held blameworthy, inshā’ Allāh, because of your difficult circumstances and your effort to stay within the limits of Allah.
Wallahu Alam.