Fatwa No : 82271
The ruling on benefiting from a pledged item.

The ruling on benefiting from a pledged item.

I am working in Karachi in a company that develops computer programs, as a program developer. The projects we work on are related to the purchase and sale of properties, which are in demand in the United States. The issue in this matter is that many of the deals and agreements involve mortgages, and loans are given, as this is part of the business. They also have other ventures through which they generate income that is not connected in any way to interest. Is it permissible (halal) for me to work here or not?

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

If, in the course of the matter mentioned in the question, benefit is derived from the pledged property (such as renting out a house or a shop), then in that case the mortgage arrangement in question is Islamically impermissible and prohibited, and it is necessary to avoid it. Likewise, assisting in such transactions is also not permissible according to Shariah. Therefore, if in the said company the questioner’s responsibility is to handle such transactions directly, then it becomes necessary for him to seek another lawful and permissible employment. However, until a reasonable alternative arrangement is found, he may continue in the current job. And if his duties are other than this, and only occasionally he has to deal with such matters incidentally, then in that case there is allowance for continuing with the said employment.