The manner of getting rid of Riba (Interest)

Question :

If I took from the bank some wealth that I owned, and it had been there for more than a year, and I got some extra profit (from the bank, i.e., interest) with it, is it permissible for me to give it away in charity or return it to the bank? What should I do?

Answer:

It is obligatory upon you to pay its Zakah every time a year passes on it, regardless of whether it was in the bank or somewhere else, as long as it was the minimum amount required for Zakah (i.e., Nisab). In reference to what the bank gave you of extra profit, do not return it to the bank and do not use it for yourself. Rather, spend it in the ways of righteousness, like giving charity to the poor, fixing up the restrooms, and helping those in debt who are unable to pay off their debts. It is not permissible for you to deal with the bank in Riba or any place other than the bank, because Riba is among the most horrible sins. Indeed, Allâh said in His Noble Book:
"Those who devour Riba will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: 'Selling is only like Riba,' whereas Allah has permitted selling and forbidden Riba. So, whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Riba, he shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whosoever returns (to) Riba), such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein forever. Allah will destroy Riba and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, etc.). And Allah does not like the disbelieving sinners."

Then, He continues to where He says:
"O you who believe! Fear Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (from now on), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you shall have your capital sums.

Deal not unjustly (by asking for more than your capital sums).

and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sum

So, all these noble Verses prove the severe forbiddance of Riba and that it is among the major sins. Thus, whoever persists in indulging in it, then he is under the threat of remaining in the Fire (of Hell). We ask Allâh for safety from that. This remaining (in the Fire) is apparently like the remaining of the disbelievers (in Hell forever) and it is eternal, having no end, if the person was someone who considered Riba to be lawful.

In reference to the person who knew that Riba was forbidden and he believed that, but he just continued indulging in it, the mentioned threat applies to him as well. However, his remaining in the Fire, if he enters it, is not like the remaining of the disbelievers (in the Fire). Rather, it is a period of remaining that has an end, as the Salaf of the Ummah and its Imams have broken this down into degrees. This is opposite of the Khawarij (Kharijites) and the Mu'tazilah (Mu'tazilites). The same applies to the remaining (in the Fire) of the person who commits suicide, and the person who murdered someone else intention- ally and in transgression, and the remaining (in the Fire) of the person who committed fornication or adultery. All of this is from this matter. Whoever among these people considers these sins to be lawful, then he has disbelieved and he will remain in the Fire as the disbelievers will remain in the Fire (forever). We seek refuge with Allâh from that.

In reference to those who do not consider these things lawful, and he only does them due to obedience to his desires and Satan, then he will not remain in the Fire forever - if he enters it-like the disbelievers will remain. However, he will remain in the Fire for a time that will end. This is because the Arabs in their language express any lengthy stay with the term Khlud (forever) and the Qur'an was revealed in their language. This is a tremendous issue that must be given careful attention. It should be known that there is a difference between the disbelievers
remaining in the Fire and the disobedient (sinners among the Muslims) remaining in the Fire. Due to the ignorance of these two forms of remaining in the Fire, the Khawarij and the Mu'tazilah fell into a tremendous evil and corrupt belief. That is their ruling that the disobedient (sinners among the Muslims) would remain in the Fire eternally and forever just like the disbelievers. The people of the Sunnah (Ahlus-Sunnah) opposed them in that and explained the falsehood of their position with clear evidences from the Book, the Sunnah and the statements of the Salaf of the Ummah. Indeed it has been authenticated from the Messenger of Allâh that he cursed the person who devours Riba, the person who gives it, the person who writes it and its witnesses, and he said:
"They are the same (in sin)."

This was recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih from Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Bukhari recorded in his Sahih from Juhayfah that the Prophet cursed the person who devours Riba, the person who gives it, the woman who practices tattooing, the woman who seeks to get herself tattooed, and the maker of pictures.

Thus, it is obligatory upon all of the Muslims to beware of Riba dealings and cooperating in that with those people who deal in Riba. This is due to the two mentioned Hadiths and Allâh's Saying:
"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment.

We ask Allâh for success for all of the Muslims and us in doing that which pleases Him and being safe from the causes of His anger. Verily, He is the Best Who is asked.

Source:
Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 3 Pages 403-404-405-406-407

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