Interest and Gambling

Helping a poor Muslim with interest money

Q: A Muslim brother is in very deep debt. He doesn't have medical aid and his wife, son and daughter were hospitalised on different occasions. Different years. Also, she bought stuff using the credit card or store cards when she was down. He had to take out loans from 3 different banks as his salary each month could not help with the payment. He has since sold his car, clothing and whatever he had after they divorced. He is battling with child maintenance and is under debt review. He is zakaatable and by the time he gets paid and does all his monthly payments, he is left with hardly any money for food and lights. Its the interest that is killing him. Yes, interest is haram, but he fell into this cycle not purposely. Can we give him our interest money to help pay off his debts?

Getting rid of interest money

Q: We have been told that if a person somehow gets ribaa money in his possession, he may get rid of it by giving it out in charity without the intention of receiving any reward. My question is: When giving this haraam money out in charity, is it permitted for him to hope for reward due to the fact that he is cleansing his wealth from haraam ribaa money, and not due to the fact that he's giving charity?

Insurance

Q: I want to pursue general insurance course and work in Muslim countries like Saudi Arab, Dubai, Oman, Kuwait. Is it Halal to pursue and work in insurance co, in Muslims countries? I don't pursue Life insurance because I know it is haraam. I want to know about general insurance because there is many insurance companies in Arab countries owned and operating by Arab Muslims. If it is haraam then how is it allowed in Arab countries?

Home loan

Q: I live in Mauritius, where Islamic Finance and Interest Free loans are not available. In these circumstances, is it permissible to take a loan to construct a house. I have heard of verses of the Qur'an where Allah declares war on those who consume and pay ribaa.