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Needs money to open dentistry practice

Question

I am a student in dentistry in Tunisia. I finished my studies and I need a lot of money now to open my own surgery. I was thinking of a bank loan, but I'm afraid it might be Riba and so it is Haram. I don't know what to do, I asked some people but they all gave me uncertain answers. I hope to find the right answer here.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

Interest-based loan is forbidden according to the consensus of the Muslim scholars regardless of how small the interest rate is. Dealing with interest is waging a war against Allaah and His Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) as Allaah Says (what means): {O you who have believed, fear Allaah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allaah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal-[thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.} [Quran 2: 278-279] Allaah also Says (what means): {Allaah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allaah does not like every sinning disbeliever.} [Quran 2: 276]

Besides, it is confirmed that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Allaah has cursed the one who consumes Riba (i.e. usury or interest), the one who gives it to others, the one who records it and the one who witnesses it (its transaction).” He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “All of them are equal in sin.” [Muslim]

Know, Dear Brother, that establishing work with the involvement of interest eradicates the bounty of Allaah, destroys your religion and your life, and takes you to Hell-fire. Know that anybody who grows up with unlawful earnings is more entitled to Hell-fire. So, you should be patient, keeping in mind that ease always follows hardship and happiness is after suffering.

May Allaah Provide you with lawful provision and keep you away from what is forbidden.

Allaah Knows best.

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