ISLAM AND THE WEST - 64

 One last point about the same topic is that the behaviours of people who believe that engaging in interest-based transactions is wrong, versus people who insist that in this day and age it is completely fine to do so, varies in one significant way. We see people with the former belief that even when they may buy a house on mortgage, they still keep believing it is wrong, they keep doing Istighfar, and they try to get rid of their mortgage as soon as possible with the intention of never engaging in it again, and never buying any item on interest for which they can pay cash. 

 

On the other hand, one sees the latter group buying a second, a third, a fourth house, a car, household items, holidays, on mortgage in an attempt to increase their wealth long-term, or for their comfort and pleasure. They believe that this way they can increase their wealth quicker and to a greater extent, compared to other means of investment which are permissible under Shariah. In terms of numbers it may be true, but wise elders have said that Jannat (paradise) is not so cheap that it would be forced upon people and they would not have to sacrifice anything for it. In the Nobel Qur’an Allah Ta’ala says that people will be tested through hunger, and through adversity. All of us need to ask ourselves this question what have we given up, what sacrifices have we made in the way of Allah Ta’ala, to be deemed deserving of entering Jannat.