Is student finance halal?

So i was looking into student finance (cos uni is EXPENSIVE) and then my friend (the knowledgeable one) said that its haram?

Is it haram (non permissible)?
If so, how do muslims pay for uni?

Reply 1

pdha

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/07/21/alternative-student-finance-how-were-making-student-finance-accessible-to-everyone/

Reply 2

I7V

Original post by Random3

So i was looking into student finance (cos uni is EXPENSIVE) and then my friend (the knowledgeable one) said that its haram?
Is it haram (non permissible)?
If so, how do muslims pay for uni?

Taking the loan is not permissible as you are required to pay interest back on the loan. Interest is a form of riba in Islam, which is a major sin. Allāh said (meaning): {Those who eat Ribâ will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like Ribâ," whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein.} [al-Baqarah 2:275]

{O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums).} [al-Baqarah 2:278-279]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who pays it, the one who writes it down and the two who witness it, and he said: “They are all the same.” [Sahīh Muslim 159]

As for alternatives, you can gain a degree while not paying anything by doing a degree apprenticeship. You can also consider working for some years and save money to fund your degree. You can also take another route, which is to learn a skill and start a business. There are many halāl routes you can take, alhamdulillāh.

Reply 3

aanaya

Original post by I7V

Taking the loan is not permissible as you are required to pay interest back on the loan. Interest is a form of riba in Islam, which is a major sin. Allāh said (meaning): {Those who eat Ribâ will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like Ribâ," whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein.} [al-Baqarah 2:275]
{O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums).} [al-Baqarah 2:278-279]
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who pays it, the one who writes it down and the two who witness it, and he said: “They are all the same.” [Sahīh Muslim 159]
As for alternatives, you can gain a degree while not paying anything by doing a degree apprenticeship. You can also consider working for some years and save money to fund your degree. You can also take another route, which is to learn a skill and start a business. There are many halāl routes you can take, alhamdulillāh.

I, as A Muslim, full disagree with this, What God in His right mind would NOT want someone to pursue their dream career by going to uni, some careers which are life saving eg doctor, NEED a early UNI start, and now religion denies this? because of a loan? I firmly do not believe it is Haram, any God would understand that, sympathise with us. "God wishes to lighten your burden, Man was created weak", if a loan isn't lightening our burden idk what is mate

Reply 4

Revadz99

Original post by Random3

So i was looking into student finance (cos uni is EXPENSIVE) and then my friend (the knowledgeable one) said that its haram?
Is it haram (non permissible)?
If so, how do muslims pay for uni?

Loans are haram when there is RIBA (interest) involved.
As a Muslim you are obliged to avoid the haram.

To avoid it I would say if you are able to do an apprenticeship for the course you would be doing at uni that is definitely a better route.
For other courses such as medicine or dentistry it’s not possible to do an apprenticeship.

Regardless there is alternatives such as working and then starting uni, taking loans from family/friends and paying back without the interest, working whilst doing your course.

I would seek advice from a proper scholar using proper sources.

Reply 5

The cook 07

Original post by aanaya

Interest harms you more than benefitting you at the end of the day (you pay back more than you took) - thus, it is haram. Anyway, what Allah provides for you is what he wills - he will give you something better than what the loan would give you inshaAllah.

Reply 6

I7V

Original post by aanaya

I remember seeing problematic posts from you before so I checked you profile and you have said:
"there's no such thing as a correct religion, let everyone have their beliefs and what they believe in, if she doesn't feel like a Muslim,and she doesn't feel a connection who are you to say that all other religions are wrong?"

You also agreed with the following post, replying with "fr":
"if any other religion converts to islam it’s fine suddenly when a muslim converts to christianity ur saying its shaytan…"

Based on this, you are not a Muslim as you have no conviction in Islām and do not believe it to be the correct religion, when Allāh said (meaning): {And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.} [Āl 'Imrān 3:85]

Therefore, it is expected that you respond in such a way.

Reply 7

wilderose

Original post by Random3

So i was looking into student finance (cos uni is EXPENSIVE) and then my friend (the knowledgeable one) said that its haram?
Is it haram (non permissible)?
If so, how do muslims pay for uni?

Maybe look into this.

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/advice/sharia-law/#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20a%20Muslim,the%20National%20Zakat%20Foundation%20website.

Based on what I understood, there is no interest, because it is based on the muslims giving money back from their university loan and you having it to pay for your stuff. I believe you can have the best of both world. You don't have to restrict yourself and not go to university because of the loan, just find a way that is halal 🙂 (like the one I linked ) Lmk what you do next

Reply 8

I7V

Original post by aanaya

still, I stand w what I say mate

It doesn't matter, you aren't a Muslim.

Reply 9

username6600387

Take a gap year and earn during that, work a few jobs here and there during the course as well and in the summer. Try and commute, so that you don't need accommodation. If any family is willing to help you, that would be good in sha Allah. Avoid wasting money on eating out etc.