Interest money

Giving interest money to buy raffle tickets

Q: I had around $48.5 of interest money in my Australian bank account. I wanted to get rid of it by giving it to a poor person. A few days back, in my office, there was a collection for a bushfire relief fund and it required staff to buy some raffle tickets which the company was giving a gift to the winner. I thought of giving that interest money as a donation so I told them that I am happy to contribute $50 but won’t take any raffle tickets. They requested a lot so I took the raffle ticket but Alhamdulillah I didn’t win any prize.

Now my question is, was my niyat of getting rid of the interest money fulfilled or not? Do I still need to give that $48.5 to a poor person or will the amount of $50 which I gave in charity suffice?

Disposing of interest money

Q: How should interest money be disposed of?

1. Is tamleek (passing of ownership) necessary i.e. does it have to be given to an individual person or can it be given to madaaris or for digging of wells, etc.?

2. Can it be given to non Muslims?

3. How poor must a person be to give him interest money?

4. Can interest money be used to pay tax, fines, bank charges, etc.?

5. If a person has bank accounts at multiple banks, does he have to withdraw the interest from each bank separately or can he just give the amount in sadaqah from his cash on hand?

6. If a person is in debt, can he be given interest to help him settle his debts?

7. Is interest money regarded as dirty wealth for the recipient?

Interest money

Q: I want to apply to study in Canada and for this purpose I need a GIC certificate. A GIC is an account which I will open in a Canadian bank to show that I can bear their living expenses. When I go to Canada, they will refund me my funds within a given period of time along with interest. As a Muslim, interest is completely prohibited in Islam. What should I do?

Disposing of interest money in one's bank account

Q: I have a savings account in a bank in India. Every 3 to 6 months different amounts of interest money is credited to my account.

1. Can I give this money to a poor man without seeking thawab?

2. Can I give it to repair or maintain the toilets in a masjid?

3. Can I use it for maintaining or cleaning the road infront of my house?

4. Can I use the interest money to maintain the minimum balance in my account?

5. Can I use the money to pay the annual bill collected for using the debit cards?