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Fatwa CenterPaying debts is given priority over building a house
Question
I owe more than £12000 in debt in UK. I am an Asian. They gave me all this money (credit cards, over-drafts) considering me a citizen of UK, but I am an Asian who came here as a student. Due to debts I could not study properly and I was repaying my debts from one year. I am unable to pay it off now; it may take more than 2 years. Even if I want to pay it I have to deal with Haram such as alcohol, pork, clubs, etc. I am married with two kids. I am also very afraid of zina in this country, because I have done some blunders in my past. I repented to Allah for that. So, what do I have to do? Shall I go back to my country and inform my bank that I am unable to pay them? Or, do I have to wait here for legal action from them? Because of this I started hating my life sometimes and I feel like getting away from it all. Please help me. My wife asks me to stay in UK for another 6 months and earn some money to build a house for us because I do not have my own house for my family. She is staying with her parents. Is it ok to do so without paying my debts?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
If the credit card that you used involved interest you have to repent and never return to such an act in the future.
You have to know that it is incumbent on you to repay the capital money that you have borrowed and it is not permissible to pay the interest therein except in case of necessity. You have to try your best to find a Halal work, and seek the help of Allah and supplicate Him as much as possible, especially saying the Dua of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) about paying debt:, "O Allah, make what is lawful enough for me, as opposed to what is unlawful, and spare me by your Grace from need for others."
You have to seek the help of your fellow Muslims in getting a Halal job, or in helping you repay your debts. May Allah make this easy for you.
It is not permissible for you to hold a Haram job as long as you are able to repay your debts by lawful means.
However, if you are in difficulties and cannot find a Halal job, or cannot get the help of your Muslim brothers, then you are in hardship and the creditor should extend the period of repayment for you until you will be able to repay. In such a case, you can travel to your country but you still have to repay your debts when Allah makes it easy for you. But do not travel if you have enough money to repay these debts or part of it, and take only the money that you will need in your travel.
You have to know that repaying the debts takes priority over building a house, because having a house is a necessity that can be met by renting or other means.
Allah knows best.
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