Ruling on Inheriting Wealth Acquired Through Interest (Riba)
✍ Written by: Saudi Fatwa Committee (Fatāwā al-Lajnah ad-Dā'imah)
If it is known that the deceased used to engage in interest-based transactions (riba), is it permissible for the heirs to take their share from such an estate?
Yes, it is permissible for the heirs to take their share of the inheritance. However, the sin of engaging in riba falls upon the deceased.
✔ If the interest amount has already been received by the deceased during his lifetime, then its sin lies solely with him. The heirs may inherit the remaining estate — even if it includes wealth mixed with riba — because they are not responsible for the deceased's actions.
If the interest has not yet been collected, then the heirs should:
➤ Take it from the debtor (i.e., the party obligated to pay interest),
➤ But they must not consume it for personal use.
Instead:
✔ The amount must be given in charity — for example, in mosques, roads, or other public welfare causes.
✔ The heirs should not treat it as personal wealth, since they did not earn it lawfully.
One might ask: “If it’s riba, then why take it at all?”
The answer:
➤ The one who paid the interest did so knowingly and willingly,
➤ We should not allow such a person to benefit both from the loan and from the interest (i.e., keep the money and enjoy its use),
➤ Therefore, we take it from him and spend it in charitable/public works.
However:
✔ If it is deemed that not taking the interest serves a greater benefit — such as when the payer is poor or needy — then it may be better not to collect it at all.
(Reference: Ibn ʿUthaymīn – Liqā’ al-Bāb al-Maftūḥ, 13/135)
✍ Written by: Saudi Fatwa Committee (Fatāwā al-Lajnah ad-Dā'imah)
✦ Question:
If it is known that the deceased used to engage in interest-based transactions (riba), is it permissible for the heirs to take their share from such an estate?
✦ Answer:
Yes, it is permissible for the heirs to take their share of the inheritance. However, the sin of engaging in riba falls upon the deceased.
✔ If the interest amount has already been received by the deceased during his lifetime, then its sin lies solely with him. The heirs may inherit the remaining estate — even if it includes wealth mixed with riba — because they are not responsible for the deceased's actions.
✦ What If the Interest Has Not Yet Been Received?
If the interest has not yet been collected, then the heirs should:
➤ Take it from the debtor (i.e., the party obligated to pay interest),
➤ But they must not consume it for personal use.
Instead:
✔ The amount must be given in charity — for example, in mosques, roads, or other public welfare causes.
✔ The heirs should not treat it as personal wealth, since they did not earn it lawfully.
✦ Why Take It at All, If It’s Riba?
One might ask: “If it’s riba, then why take it at all?”
The answer:
➤ The one who paid the interest did so knowingly and willingly,
➤ We should not allow such a person to benefit both from the loan and from the interest (i.e., keep the money and enjoy its use),
➤ Therefore, we take it from him and spend it in charitable/public works.
However:
✔ If it is deemed that not taking the interest serves a greater benefit — such as when the payer is poor or needy — then it may be better not to collect it at all.
(Reference: Ibn ʿUthaymīn – Liqā’ al-Bāb al-Maftūḥ, 13/135)
