Islamic Finance

  • Car Financing Through Toyota: Bank vs. In-House

    Car Financing Through Toyota: Bank vs. In-House QuestionAssalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,I recently went to Toyota to finance a car. They told me they will give me the car through financing, and the monthly payments include interest. They said the price of the car will not change, but there will be interest added. My…

  • Professional Liability Insurance for Dietitians in Canada

    Professional Liability Insurance for Dietitians in Canada QuestionAssalam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh! I was wondering if you are familiar with services that provide professional liability insurance for dietitians in Canada that aligns with Islamic principles (takaful). In order to have and to maintain the permit of dietitians, it entails the following rules: College of…

  • Is Servus Halal, which has started launching in Alberta, a Murabaha or Musharakah product?

    QuestionIs Servus Halal, which has started launching in Alberta, a Murabaha or Musharakah product? What are the terms? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. What Servus Halal Is Key Terms of Servus Halal Mortgage Product Compliance with AAOIFI Standards Servus Halal has been structured in compliance with the standards of…

  • What is the ruling on investing in stocks?

    QuestionWhat is the ruling on investing in stocks? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain. The General Principle The usul principle is: “Al-asl fi al-mu‘amalat al-ibahah” — the default ruling in financial transactions is permissibility, unless there is clear evidence of prohibition. Therefore, investing in stocks is permissible in principle, provided…

  • Is renter’s insurance allowed?

    QuestionAs-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. I have a question about tenant’s (renter’s) insurance. If a landlord requires tenant’s insurance as a condition for renting an apartment, are we allowed to purchase it? And is tenant’s insurance considered a necessity for living in a rental property in Edmonton? Jazakumullahu khayran. AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah,…

  • Is car leasing/financing haram because it requires full insurance?

    QuestionSalam, I was told it was required to get the lowest coverage insurance for my vehicle in Canada because insurance is haram. When leasing or financing a vehicle it is required to obtain full coverage insurance by the company leasing or financing the car to you. Question #1 – Is obtaining full coverage insurance for…

  • Is working as a salesman at a car dealership is haram?

    QuestionSalam, I would like to know if working as a salesman at a car dealership is haram? Please let me know. Jazakallahu khayran. AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala rasoolillah, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. The ruling depends on the type of sales and financing that the dealership uses. Islamic jurisprudence distinguishes between permissible trade and…

  • Can interest earned be used to pay off debt?

    QuestionCan interest earned be used to pay off debt? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala rasoolillah, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. Earning interest (riba) is haram, and a Muslim should avoid placing his wealth where it accrues interest whenever possible. The Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who pays it, the one…

  • Can I take a line of credit for educational purposes?

    Question I am seeking a religious ruling on using a line of credit for educationI am a dentist living in Canada and I wish to start the Canadian dental equivalency process. In order to register for my first exam and the preparation course, I need a significant amount of money.I previously worked as a dental…

  • What is the ruling on purchasing full (comprehensive) insurance in Islam?

    QuestionWhat is the ruling on purchasing full (comprehensive) insurance in Islam? AnswerAlhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala rasoolillah, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in. Insurance is a modern financial product that did not exist in classical fiqh, so the scholars have had to analyze it according to the principles of Shariah. Full or “comprehensive” insurance covers not…

  • What is the ruling on working in the Human Resources (HR) department of a conventional bank?

    Question:What is the ruling on working in the Human Resources (HR) department of a conventional bank? Answer: Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala rasulillah, Riba (usury/interest) is categorically forbidden in Islam, by Qur’an, Sunnah, and ijma‘. The Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who pays it, the one who records it, and those…

  • I lent money in CAD but the recipient received it in PKR. How does he pay it back?

    QuestionI lent someone some money. I paid $1000 Canadian Dollars through an app, and he received about 190,000 Pakistani Rupees. Now, he wants to pay me back and I’m in Pakistan, so he will pay me in Rupees. But the value in Rupees changed, and now it’s around 205,000 Rupees to $1000. My question is:…

  • The rulings of day trading, short selling, options and gold trading.

    The rulings of day trading, short selling, options and gold trading. Praise be to Allah. 1. Day Trading (Cash Equities) 2. Day Trading with Margin 3. Short Selling 4. Options 5. Gold Trading Forms in the West: And Allah knows best.

  • Can crowdfunding for a halal startup or business idea be considered acceptable under Islamic investment rules?

    Bismillah Ar -Rahman Ar-Raheem, Question:Can crowdfunding for a halal startup or business idea be considered acceptable under Islamic investment rules? Answer:Crowdfunding refers to raising small amounts of capital from a large number of people, typically via an online platform, to fund a project, startup, or business. The concept itself is not inherently prohibited in Islam…

  • Mushārakah: Islamic Partnership Contracts and Their Modern Applications

    The Prophet ﷺ said regarding partnerships: “The hand of Allah is with the two partners as long as they do not betray each other.”(Narrated by Abu Dawud, 3383; classed as hasan) Mushārakah: Islamic Partnership Contracts and Their Modern Applications Definition:Mushārakah (مشـاركة) is an Islamic partnership contract in which two or more parties contribute capital to…

  • Is using buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services Islamically permissible if paid off within the grace period?

    Question:Is using buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services Islamically permissible if paid off within the grace period? Answer: 1. What are BNPL (Buy-Now-Pay-Later) Services? BNPL services allow customers to purchase goods immediately while delaying full payment. Typically, they offer: 2. Scholarly Consensus (Ijma‘) and Established Opinions Contemporary Islamic jurisprudential bodies, including AAOIFI and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy,…

  • Is reverse mortgage (home equity release) permitted for Muslim homeowners to fund retirement needs?

    Question:Is reverse mortgage (home equity release) permitted for Muslim homeowners to fund retirement needs? Answer: 1. Understanding Reverse Mortgage (Home Equity Release) A reverse mortgage allows elderly homeowners to borrow money against the equity in their home. Repayment usually occurs upon the homeowner’s death, sale of the property, or permanent relocation. The loan typically accumulates…

  • Is leasing a car halal?

    Question:Is it halal to lease a car if the owner is not financing it? Since I’m not owning the vehicle and I don’t plan to buy it at the end, can I consider it as renting a car? Is it permissible to have full insurance coverage for the leased car? And who is supposed to…

  • Can Muslims invest in ESG funds if they include companies with minor interest-based income?

    Question:Can Muslims invest in ESG funds if they include companies with minor interest-based income? Answer: 1. Definition and Nature of ESG Funds What are ESG Funds? ESG funds are investment funds prioritizing companies that meet specific criteria related to: However, these ESG funds may include companies that, although primarily ethical in business practices, generate a…

  • How should Muslims calculate zakah on digital assets like NFTs, stablecoins, and token holdings?

    1. Understanding Digital Assets in Islamic Terms Before calculating Zakah, it’s essential to classify digital assets according to traditional Islamic jurisprudential categories. Contemporary scholars generally categorize digital assets as follows: Zakah calculation differs based on these categories. 2. Conditions for Zakh Obligation Zakah is obligatory when these general conditions are met: 3. Calculating Zakah by…

  • Repaying a Loan After Currency Collapse

    Question:If someone lends money in Lebanese lira, and at the time of the loan it was worth a certain amount in US dollars, but the currency later collapses — can the lender request repayment in Lebanese lira equal to the original dollar value? Answer:Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In cases of economic collapse or severe devaluation, Islamic…

  • Are cashback and rewards from credit cards considered ribā (interest)?

    Question: Are cashback and rewards from credit cards considered ribā (interest)? Answer: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ، الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى أَشْرَفِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ، نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ، وَمَنْ تَبِعَهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ. Conventional credit card agreements usually include a clause allowing the issuer to charge interest (ribā) on late…

  • Can a Muslim invest in conventional stock markets or ETFs?

    Question: Can a Muslim invest in conventional stock markets or ETFs? Answer: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ، الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى أَشْرَفِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ، نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ، وَمَنْ تَبِعَهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ. Investment and business ownership are generally permissible in Islam, provided they are free from prohibited elements such…

  • What is the ruling on cryptocurrencies in Islamic finance?

    Question: What is the ruling on cryptocurrencies in Islamic finance? Answer: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ، الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى أَشْرَفِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ، نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ، وَمَنْ تَبِعَهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ. Cryptocurrencies are a modern financial phenomenon not explicitly addressed in classical fiqh texts. However, their permissibility is assessed…

  • Is in-house financing for vehicles always halal?

    QuestionDoes in-house financing for vehicles always comply with Shariah? Or are there any specific requirements we should follow? Answer: Praise be to Allah. Firstly: The principle of financing in Islam Financing in Islam must comply with the principles of Shariah, which forbid riba (interest) and emphasize valid contracts, clear terms, and ownership of goods before…

  • Can I contribute to the Employee Investment Program that the company I work for offers?

    QuestionCan I contribute to the Employee Investment Program that the company I work for offers?Salamu Alaikum. My company offers a program where I can invest money into the company and receive a guaranteed return of at least 10%, with the possibility of earning more depending on the company’s performance. Earnings are calculated monthly based on…

  • Can you explain halal financing through a Murabaha agreement?

    Question: Can you explain what Halal financing through a Murabaha agreement is, and how it differs from conventional financing? Answer : Murabaha is one of the most straightforward contracts in the Islamic finance industry. Simply put, it is a cost-plus-profit sale. But it must meet several key conditions (cornerstones): 1. Ownership:The financial institution (in this…

  • Is it allowed to work for MasterCard or Visa?

    Question: Is it allowed to work for MasterCard or Visa? Answer:It depends on the nature of the work. MasterCard and Visa primarily operate in the financial sector, offering services that are largely based on interest-bearing (riba) contracts, which are not considered halal in Islamic finance. Therefore, it is not permissible to be directly involved in…

  • Do I have to pay zakat on my watch collection?

    Question: Do I have to pay zakat on my watch collection? Answer: It depends on your intention behind owning the watches. If you bought the watches as an investment, with the intention of selling them later to make a profit, then zakat is due on their current market value. In this case, they are considered…

  • Do Women Pay Zakat on Their Personal Gold Jewelry?

    Do Women Pay Zakat on Their Personal Gold Jewelry? How to Understand the Hadiths and the Different Opinions 1. The Hadith About the Gold Bangles This is one of the key hadiths used as evidence by the Hanafi school: A woman came to the Prophet ﷺ with her daughter wearing two thick gold bangles.He asked,…

  • Can I use a credit card?

    Question: How to live in western society without a credit card? Ex- rent, travel, credit score, etc. And how to discuss with family that wants you to get a credit card. Answer: According to the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), in today’s Western society, especially in North America, having a credit card has…

  • Can I sell warranty ?

    Question: If someone works at a phone company (Telus), and is required to pitch warranty on the phones they sell. What is the ruling on that. Also what is the ruling on late payment fees in the phone contract? Answer: A warranty provided directly by the company selling the product is allowed in Islam. For…

  • Are pawn shops allowed in Islam?

    Are pawn shops allowed in Islam? There are two situations to consider when it comes to pawn shops in Islam: 1. Selling Your Item with No Strings Attached:If you sell your item to the pawn shop for a fixed price, and there’s no agreement to buy it back or change your mind later, this is…

  • Why is in-house car financing halal if it involves interest, and how is it different from a mortgage?

    Question: When in-house financing a car through Toyota, you can go through their own Toyota Financial Services . They still charge interest on the loan provided, why is this halal and how is it different then getting a mortgage through a bank? Answer: Buying a Car through Islamic Financing: What’s Allowed and What’s Not When…

  • Halal mortgage versus conventional mortgage

    There is a difference between a halal Murabaha mortgage and a conventional mortgage, both in structure and underlying principles. 1. Fundamental Basis Conventional Mortgage: Involves a loan with interest (riba). The bank lends you money to buy a house, and you repay it with interest over time. Murabaha Mortgage: Based on Islamic finance principles that…

  • Buying a Car through Islamic Financing: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

    Question : When financing a car through Toyota, you can go through their own Toyota Financial Services . They still charge interest on the loan provided, why is this halal and how is it different then getting a mortgage through a bank? Answer: When you buy a car from a company like Toyota or any…

  • Zakah on lent money

    Q: Do I have to pay zakah on money I lent to someone else?A: It depends on the financial status of the borrower: Scenario: The borrower is wealthy and capable of repaying 📌 Example:If you lent $20,000 and you have $1,000,000 in your account: Scenario: The borrower is struggling or refuses to pay (broke or…

  • How to calculate zakah on Inheritance

    Q: How do heirs calculate zakah on inheritance?A: Each heir must: 📌 Example:If a person has $70,000 in personal wealth and their share of inheritance is $20,000, they will: Q: What if the inheritance hasn’t been distributed yet?A: If the inheritance remains undivided for a full year, then zakah is still due. Q: What if…

  • Zakah on Inherited wealth

    Q: Does zakah apply to inherited wealth or wealth that has reached the nisab and a full year has passed?A: Yes, zakah is due on inherited wealth as long as it:

  • Zakah on RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)

    Q1: Do I have to pay zakah on my RRSP or other savings plans like educational savings?A1: Yes, you have to pay zakah if: Q2: But what if I can only access my RRSP funds after many years (like 20–25 years)?A2: If you don’t have full access, zakah is calculated based on the accessible portion…

  • Zakah on RRSP & Registered Educational Plans

    Q: Do we have to pay zakah on a registered educational plan or RRSP? A: Yes, zakah is due if the amount reaches the nisab (around $11,000 CAD) and has been held for a full year, as long as you have access to it. Q: What if I don’t have full access to the RRSP?…

  • Mortgages in islam

     MORTGAGE & HOMEOWNERSHIP 15. Q: What is the general Islamic ruling on riba-based mortgages? A: The general ruling is that riba is haram. Taking a conventional mortgage involving interest is not permitted. 16. Q: Can someone take a riba-based mortgage due to housing difficulties? A: Only in extreme necessity (darurah)—such as when a person with many dependents cannot find…

  • Car Loans in islam

     CAR LOANS & PERSONAL FINANCING 24. Q: Is it permissible to take a riba-based loan to buy a car? A: No. Car loans that involve interest are not permissible if halal alternatives exist (e.g., in-house financing). 25. Q: What if luxury car brands don’t offer halal options (e.g., Mercedes)? A: That does not justify taking riba. One should choose a more affordable vehicle…

  • Student Loans

     STUDENT LOANS & FINANCIAL AID 1. Q: Can a student take a loan just to access attached grants, if they already have enough money? A: Yes, if the loan is interest-free for a set period (e.g., six months) and the borrower: Then this is permissible, based on the principle: “Al-umūr bimaqāsidihā” – Actions are judged by intentions. 2. Q: Are student…

  • Q & A – Islamic Finance

    📘 Q&A Collection: Student Loans, Riba, Mortgages & Halal Finance Dr. Mahmoud Omar Organized by Topic for Clarity 🎓 STUDENT LOANS & FINANCIAL AID 1. Q: Can a student take a loan just to access attached grants, if they already have enough money? A: Yes, if the loan is interest-free for a set period (e.g.,…

  • Ownership, Investment & Intention

    🧾 Q: If a child pays off their parents’ debts, such as mortgages and car loans, does that make them the owner of those assets? A: It depends on the intention. If the money was given as a gift (hibah) with no expectation of return or ownership, then the asset remains the parents’ property. But…

  • Gifting & Ownership (Hibah)

    🏡 1. Q: What is the Islamic concept of hibah (gifting), and how should it be practiced? A: Hibah is giving something to someone without expecting anything in return. It is done sincerely for the sake of Allah. If a person gives a house, money, or furniture and intends no repayment, then it’s a valid…