Is It Permissible to Borrow Money from Someone with Questionable Earnings?

Understanding the Islamic Perspective on Borrowing from Those with Haram Income

Question: If a person engages in work that is questionable and may involve unlawful (haram) earnings, such as online jobs or earning through video ads, is it permissible to borrow money from such a person? And if we do borrow, will that money also be considered haram?

Answer: If we are certain that someone’s entire income is from haram (unlawful) sources, we should not cooperate with or borrow from such a person because, clearly, in such a case, you would also be using unlawful earnings. Just as haram wealth is forbidden for the one who earns it, it is also forbidden for others. However, if a person’s income includes both haram and halal (lawful) earnings—meaning some part is haram and some or most of it is halal—then in such a case, you can borrow from them, as not all of their income is haram. In such circumstances, you may borrow money and even accept an invitation from such a person. However, if their entire income is haram, then it is better to avoid borrowing from them, as this may be considered cooperation in sin.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail