Question
My family moved to the UK 10 years back and we were granted out leave to remain just over five months ago.
We have changed nine houses in this period of time and are really concerned about the way our current housing situation is. Due to rents hitting the sky, it’s getting harder as the days go. I intend to marry a girl I met over seven years ago and it is her wish to have a house of her own. She can afford to get one but I would not like to move in that house unless I have some contributions in it.
I’m very skeptical about mortgage but have suffered a lot due to house to live in. My family isn’t very interested in knowing about mortgages but being a regular listener of مفتی Abdur-Rahman Sahib. I have always tried to follow his opinions. Please advise me on this matter.
Jazak’allah
Answer
May Allah the Almighty ease your situation. In your situation you have a few possible options:
- Re-locate to an area where rent is cheaper.
- You may want to look into an Islamic mortgage. We have not researched the Islamic status of the various Islamic mortgages offered in the UK, so we would advise that you speak to them and their shari’ah advisory body directly. If you trust the scholars and feel satisfied with their explanation regarding how their Islamic mortgage is lawful, then you will be permitted to take out a mortgage with them placing your trust in their scholars.
- Borrow money from family and friends in order to buy an affordable house.
- Apply for a council house or benefits if you are eligible.
However, taking out a conventional mortgage will be unlawful.
Answered by:
Ifta Research Fellow
Checked & Approved by:
Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Mufti Zubair Patel