Conventional mortgages and proof of the impermissibility of interest

Assalaam o Aliekum,

I have question for mufti sb.:

Is it permissible to buy a house in canada using mortgage? If yes, what is the ruling? who has given that ruling? and where can i find this info? I will appreciate your help in this regards. If possible i can also talk to the mufti on the phone to discuss this in detail. Thanks

Jazak’Allah Khair

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

Conventional mortgages involve the component of interest, due to which the scholars of Islam unanimously agree that it is haram. The prohibition of interest is established in many verses of the Qur’an as well as Prophetic traditions. A few of which will be mentioned below:

Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Qur’an:

“Allah has permitted trade and forbidden interest.”

 (al-Baqarah verse 275)

“O you who believe! Fear Allah and give up whatever remains of interest, if you are believers. If you do not do so, then be informed of war  (against you) from Allah and His Messenger.” (al-Baqarah verses 277-278)

The blessed Messenger (may Allah Ta’ala bless him and give him peace) has also strictly prohibited any form of dealing with interest. Consider the following hadith:

“May Allah’s curse descend upon the one who receives interest, pays interest, becomes a witness (to such a transaction), or even transcribes it.”

 (Tirmizi)

Based on the aforementioned references, as well as many others, a conventional mortgage would not be permissible in Islam. One may look for other forms of financing which are Shari’ah compliant.

والله اعلم

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.

Omar Baig

Approved by Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani