Question

Im a teenager (16 years old), and I try my best to follow Islam as strictly as possible. I pray all my prayers in time, Im trying my best to follow the sunnah, and most importantly control these hormones that every teen gets around this age.

Unfortunately, my family is not really as devoted as I am. Im not going to go into details, because I dont feel comfortable listing my family's fault, especially since I might have some myself that im not acknowledging.

Anyway, I just found out recently that we bought our home on Interest. I only cared to ask them new because I only became a devoted Muslim about a year ago. Before that, I couldn't care less, I actually didn't even know what riba was a year ago. But I know now that riba is haram, and we live in a home, so I asked my parents and they said we bought our home on interest.

This made me very scared, because now the only thing going through my mind that Im living, eating, sleeping, praying etc… all in a Haram house.

Does this affect my Record in any way? Like, do I get sin also, since im living in this house? I had no control over this, we bought this house like 3-4 years ago, and I was completely ignorant about Islam back then.

I know riba is a major sin, so Im worried about my parents, and sometimes get mad at why they would do that, and not care.

How does this affect me as a Muslim?

And how can I, in the future, avoid interest?

Answer:

Bismillāhi Taʿala,

Waʿlaikum Assalām Waraḥmatullāh,

We take note of your question.

At the outset we wish to express our happiness that Allah has guided you towards Deen consciousness, Alhamdulillah. May Allah increase your zeal and yearning towards following Islam as closely as possible.

Ribā’ is indeed a calamity which has plagued every part of our society. No one can claim freedom from its clutches, but what is even more dangerous for a Muslim is that he intentionally and knowingly enters into an interest bearing transaction. We can only make du‘a’ for such a Muslim's hidāya, insha'Allah.

In your case, we greatly sympathize with you. Entering into an interest bearing lease or mortgage was not your action. The dislike and disgust you showed to the act was sufficient proof that you did not wish to be party to disobedience to the laws of Allah.

We advise you to be extremely diplomatic in your approach towards your parents about the issue, so as not to show even little bit of disrespect. Arrange some brochures about the abhorrence of interest in Islam and place them in your home. Keep some other reading material about the topic available in sight as well, but do not approach him directly to avoid any contentions.

It will also be advisable to keep some audio talks about the topic, along with other bayāns in the car or home, which will motivate Deen consciousness.

We make duʿā’ that Allah Ta‘ālā will put barakah in your intentions and revive complete Islamic environment in your home.

Wallāhu Aʿlam,

Wassalamu ʿalaykum, 

Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi
www.fatwa.ca