British Muslim Students Seek 'Halal Loans': Report
LONDON,
April 26 (IslamOnline.net) – Seeking a balance between their needs
to finish studies and their commitment to their faith, British Muslim
students are pushing for a Muslim-friendly student loan.
According
to the Guardian Monday, April 26, "Representatives of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies met
with the British Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, last week to
discuss the problem, which affects students and their families who
believe that taking out a student loan contravenes Islamic Shari'ah
Law".
It
is common knowledge among Muslim scholars that a Muslim should steer
clear of dealing in interest-based loans (Riba) unless there is a real
dire need that requires him to obtain such a loan.
The
Muslim community in Britain, however, is split over whether student
loans, which incur inflation-only levels of interest, are against
Shari'ah Law, according to the Guardian.
"Student
activists say that some Muslims are being asked to break their faith
or forgo the opportunity for financial assistance during their
studies."
