Ref no: 0125#
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Date: Monday, May 16, 2011 |
Category
Fiqh
Title
IS IT PERMISSIBLE FOR ONE TO PAY GOVERMENT TAXES USING INTEREST MONEY
Question
IS IT PERMISSIBLE FOR ONE TO PAY GOVERMENT TAXES USING INTEREST MONEY, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THAT THE GOVERMENT IS NOT PROVIDING US WITH THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LIKE MEDICAL SERVICES, A PROPER POLICE FORCE AND PROPER SCHOOLING. DESPITE US PAYING TAXES, WE STILL HAVE TO INCUR HEAVY EXPENSES FOR THE ABOVE. CAN THE GOVERMENT TAXES BE CLASSIFIED AS A ZULM TAX?
Answer
Muhtaram / Muhtaramah
In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāh wa-barakātuh.
In principle, Government Taxes is a legitimate tax as the Government does provide serviced for its citizens. The serviced are either direct or indirect. However, there is merit in your claim that the Government is failing in providing its citizens with direct rights for example safety and security. This is an undisputed fact. Schools and medical services are still provided by the Government. The level of the schooling and medical services may not be up to everyones standard. It is my Naaqis view that a certain portion of the Government taxes is Zulm. Not the entire amount. It is difficult to classify the Zulm amount in %. The Mubtala bihi should assess his own situation and honestly between him and Allah, determine what percent is Zulm. Interest monies could be used to wade off that amount of Zulm. Tawba and Istighfaar should also be made to maintain the abhorrence on interest in ones heart.
And Allah knows best
Darul Iftaa
Madrasah Inaa’miyyah
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