Assalamu Alaikum! My name is Musʿab. Respected Sir, I live in a rented house. Recently, a scheme called “Mera Ghar Mera Aashiyana” has been launched by the Government of Pakistan. Under this scheme, I have applied for a housing loan. This loan is being provided to me by BankIslami under the structure of Diminishing Musharakah (Shirkat-e-Mutanaqisah). According to the bank, it is Shariah-compliant, and they have also attached a fatwa as a reference. My question is: Can I take this loan? Is there any element of interest (riba) involved in it or not? May Allah reward you with goodness.
It should be understood that the financial dealings of Islamic banks operating in Pakistan are conducted under the supervision of Shariah Boards comprising reputable Islamic scholars. Therefore, if the operational structure of the “Mera Ghar Mera Aashiyana” scheme has been approved by the bank’s Shariah Board, then it is permissible to construct a house under this scheme through the said bank.
کما فی إعلاء السنن: قال ابن المنذر: أجمعوا على أن المسلف إذا شرط على المستسلف زیادة أو هدیة فأسلف على ذلك إن أخذ الزیادة علی ذلك ربا إلخ۔ (کتاب الحوالۃ، باب کل قرض جرؔ منفعۃ، ج 14، ص 513، ط: إدارۃ القرآن)۔
و فی الشامیۃ: (قوله کل قرض جر نفعا حرام) ای اذا کان مشروطا کما علم مما نقله عن البحر إلخ۔ (کتاب البیوع ، باب المرابحۃ والتولیۃ، فصل فی القرض،ج:5، ص:166، ط:سعید)۔