Ramadan is a time of spiritual purification, and many Muslims rightfully worry about the impact of their financial choices on their worship. A common question is: "If I pay interest (Riba) on my mortgage or credit card during Ramadan, is my fast rejected?"
The answer lies in the crucial distinction between the Type of Sin and the Rules of Fasting. While Riba is a grave sin, it does not physically break the fast like eating or drinking does. However, it poses a serious threat to the reward of your fasting.
Scholarly Consensus Overview
The majority of scholars (Jumhur) hold that sins, even major ones like Riba, do not legally invalidate the fast (requiring Qada). They essentially hollow it out, removing the spiritual reward.
Validity vs. Reward (Sahih vs. Thawab)
In Islamic Law, actions are judged on two levels:
- Validity (Sahih): Did you fulfill the legal requirements? (Abstaining from food, drink, intercourse). If yes, you do not need to make up the day (Qada).
- Acceptance/Reward (Thawab): Did the fast achieve its spiritual purpose? Sins can reduce this to zero.
Validity vs. Reward Logic
How Islamic Law (Fiqh) categorizes sinful actions during Ramadan.
Action: Paying Interest (Riba)
e.g., Paying a mortgage or credit card interest
Valid (Sahih)
Did any substance enter the body? No.
Did intimate relations occur? No.
Result: The fast technically counts.
Reward (Thawab)
Was a major sin committed? Yes.
Does sin erase good deeds? Yes.
Result: The spiritual benefit is endangered.
The Verdict
You do not need to redo the fast (no Qada). However, you must seek Forgiveness (Tawbah) specifically for the financial sin to restore the spiritual value of your Ramadan.
The Impact of Sin on Fasting
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Some people get nothing from their fasting except hunger, and some get nothing from their night prayers except loss of sleep." (Sunan Ibn Majah).
This hadith refers to those who fast physically but continue to engage in major sins (like lying, backbiting, or dealing in Riba). Their fast is legally "checked off" the list of obligations, but they may receive no spiritual credit for it.
Breaker or Sin?
Click to reveal if the action breaks the fast or just the reward.
What If I Am Stuck in an Interest Contract?
Many UK Muslims find themselves in long-term contracts (like student loans or mortgages) that involve interest. Does this mean their entire Ramadan is wasted?
No. Allah is Most Merciful. If you are in a situation where you cannot immediately exit the contract, your fast is still valid. However, you must be in a state of active repentance (Tawbah). You cannot be content with the sin. You must hate it in your heart and strive to find a halal alternative or pay it off as quickly as possible.
The Red Line
Where do scholars draw the line?
While Riba doesn't break the fast, one attitude towards it does destroy faith.
- 1Justifying the Sin:
The greatest danger is not the Riba itself, but saying "Riba is fine in the modern world." Denying a clear prohibition can lead to Kufr (disbelief), which does invalidate all worship.
- 2New Contracts:
Entering a new interest-bearing contract during Ramadan (e.g., signing a mortgage) is an act of open defiance during the sacred month.
How to Purify Your Fast
If you have committed a financial sin during Ramadan, do not break your fast in despair. Instead, use the days of Ramadan to make sincere Tawbah.
Guide to Tawbah (Repentance)
How to purify your Ramadan if you committed a financial sin.
Stop the Sin
If you are currently paying Riba, make a firm plan to pay off the debt as fast as possible to stop calculation of interest. If it's a new loan, withdraw immediately.
Regret the Action
Feel genuine remorse in your heart. Admit that this action displeases Allah, regardless of financial necessity.
Resolve Not to Return
Make a sincere promise to Allah that you will not engage in this type of financial contract again in the future.
Summary & Practical Guidance
- Validity: Paying interest does NOT physically break your fast. You do not need to make up the day.
- Reward: Major sins like Riba can severely reduce or eliminate the spiritual reward of fasting.
- Repentance: If you are stuck in a contract, hate the sin in your heart and plan to exit when possible. This counts as repentance.
Methodology: Conditions of Acceptance
We rely on the distinction made by classical Jurists (Fuqaha) between Shart Sihhah (Condition of Validity) and Shart Qabul (Condition of Acceptance). Riba affects the latter.
- Imam Al-Ghazali (Ihya): The three grades of fasting (Physical, Special, Elect).
- Various Fatawa: Riba does not require Qada of the fast.