What is the shariah ruling concerning converting local currency to stronger international currencies on the black market?

· 21 Shawwal 1422 AH1 min readFatwa 4598English
Finance and Commerce

Question

I am living in South Africa, where the US Dollar is approximately R12.00. The US dollar is considered as a strong currency and is accepted everywhere. However in South Africa, it is considered illegal to take out a foreign currency, accept with a VISA and ticket to a foreign destination. Assuming I want to perform Hajj in 2 years time. I do not know what the Riyal or Dollar will cost. Can I take out dollars on the black market and keep it until I have enough to go for Hajj? Barakallah Feek

Answer

Islamically, you may buy any currency at any price agreed upon between buyer
and seller.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

CHECKED AND APPROVED CORRECT:

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Ask AskImam

Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah (AskImam). It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.