Buying Land for Masjid on Interest (Riba)

According to the overwhelming majority of the Muslim Jurists, there is no difference in the prohibition of interest between a Muslim and non-Muslim anywhere, Darul Islam (Islamic state) or Darul Harb (a state of ongoing conflict with Muslims).

In the early days of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) many Muslims used to enter into Riba transactions with non-Muslims, but when Riba was prohibited, they stopped this practice totally. The Aayats of the Noble Qur' an which prohibited Riba did not differentiate between a Muslim and non-Muslim. Similarly, there is no example in the days of the Sahaaba (RA) where anyone of the Sahaaba (RA) entered into Riba transaction with a non-Muslim after the prohibition was enforced. Therefore, one cannot be advised to take an interest-bearing loan, even in a non-Muslim country.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.