Cleanse Your Wealth: Dispose of Interest (Riba) the Right Way
Allah has forbidden Riba. But living in a non-Islamic economic system means interest often accumulates in our bank accounts whether we want it or not.
You cannot keep it. You cannot benefit from it. But you can dispose of it in a Shariah-compliant way.
Donate your interest to IAC. We use Riba funds for essential operational costs, ensuring your wealth is cleansed without violating Islamic principles.
Why is Riba Forbidden?
Allah declares in the Quran: "O you who believe, fear Allah and give up what remains of your demand for Riba if you are indeed believers. If you do it not, take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger." (Quran 2:278-279)
Riba is exploitation. When someone borrows money, they are already in need. Charging them extra to profit from their difficulty is unjust. This is why Islam forbids all forms of interest.
But what if you never asked for it? What if your bank automatically deposits interest into your account?
You still cannot keep it. You cannot use it for yourself. And you cannot donate it as Sadaqah or Zakat because it is not pure wealth.
The solution: Dispose of it through charity in a way that does not bring you spiritual reward.
Where Does Your Riba Go?
IAC uses your interest donations for essential operational costs that keep the charity running but are not core religious obligations.
This includes:
• Card processing fees for online donations
• Administrative costs
• Website maintenance
• Office utilities
Your Riba is never used for:
• Direct aid to families
• Building mosques
• Printing Qurans
• Sadaqah or Zakat projects
This ensures your wealth is cleansed in a Shariah-compliant way. You receive no spiritual reward for this donation, but you fulfill your obligation to dispose of haram wealth properly.
Common Sources of Riba You May Not Realize
Interest accumulates in more places than you think:
Bank Accounts: Most UK banks automatically deposit interest into current and savings accounts.
ISAs: Individual Savings Accounts earn interest on your deposits.
Credit Cards: If you carry a balance, you are charged interest monthly.
Mortgages and Loans: Every payment includes interest charges.
Student Loans: Interest accrues on UK student loans.
Even if you didn't seek it out, you are responsible for disposing of it correctly. Check your bank statements, calculate the total interest earned or paid, and cleanse your wealth.
Riba is Haram
Islam forbids both receiving and paying interest in all its forms.
You Cannot Keep It
Interest money cannot be used for your own benefit or given as Zakat.
Dispose of It Properly
Donate it to charity for non-religious operational costs.
No Spiritual Reward
You will not receive reward for this donation, but your wealth is cleansed.
Shariah-Compliant
IAC ensures your Riba is used appropriately and kept separate from Sadaqah.
How to Calculate and Donate Your Interest
Step 1: Review your bank statements for the past year.
Step 2: Add up all interest earned (check savings accounts, ISAs, current accounts).
Step 3: If you paid interest on loans, mortgages, or credit cards, calculate the total amount paid.
Step 4: Donate the total amount to IAC's Interest Fund.
Step 5: Start fresh. Consider switching to an Islamic bank or a zero-interest current account to avoid future accumulation.
You are responsible for disposing of Riba as soon as you become aware of it. Don't delay. Cleanse your wealth today.
This is Not Sadaqah. This is Cleansing Your Wealth.
When you give Sadaqah or Zakat, Allah rewards you. Every pound you donate is multiplied in blessings. You purify your wealth and draw closer to Allah.
But Riba is different.
You should never have earned or paid it in the first place. Disposing of it is an obligation, not an act of worship. There is no reward. No spiritual benefit. No multiplication of blessings.
However, there is relief. You have fulfilled your duty. Your wealth is no longer tainted. You can move forward with a clear conscience.
This is why we keep Riba donations completely separate from Sadaqah and Zakat. Your interest supports operational costs only. It never funds direct aid or religious projects.
