Question:
My parents saved some money for me for my education and it has earned interest (riba). How can I get rid of this riba money?
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Thank you for your question.
If usury / interest is accumulated, then it will be disposed of by giving it to the poor in charity, without any intention or hope of reward.
There is a report that indicates Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) made a two way bet, prior to the prohibition of gambling with a disbeliever. The wealth resulting from wining this bet was given to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) after the prohibition of gambling. Thus, he brought it in the presence of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) who instructed, “This is prohibited. Give it in charity (sadaqah)” (Ibn Asakir)
You are not to donate such money towards the construction of a masjid, as only clean and pure money is used to build a mosque. A mosque is also a public facility utilized by both the rich and the poor.
And Allah knows best.
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Hadith of the Day Imam
Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto and Director of Mathabah Institute
