Repairing roads with interest funds

Question:-

Would it be possible to maintain public roads with interest funds, bearing in mind that the public will be using it thereafter?

Answer:-

It is not permissible to use interest funds to repair public roads, as both the wealthy and the poor utilize the roads. The recipients of interest funds are poor Muslims that are eligible to receive Zakaat, or poor non-Muslims. Yes, if the interest funds are given to a poor Muslim or poor non-Muslim, and they willingly contribute the funds towards repairing the roads, then the funds may be utilized. However, it cannot be directly contributed towards the repairs of the road.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:-

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 03 Dhul Qa’dah 1444 / 24 May 2023