Sheikh Mohamed Kamal, Secretary of Fatwa at Dar Al-Ifta Egypt, responded to a question from Tamer Mostafa, one of the people of determination from Qalyubia, who asked whether it is permissible to borrow 30,000 EGP from a friend with 40% interest.
During his appearance on the TV program “Fatawa Al-Nas”, Sheikh Kamal stated that lending in Islam is an act of benevolence, not a commercial transaction for profit. Any agreement that includes an increase over the loaned amount is considered usury (riba), which is strictly forbidden in Islamic law.
He quoted the Quranic verse:
“Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury.” [Al-Baqarah: 275]
The cleric emphasized that Islamic rulings do not change based on relationships or circumstances; therefore, even if the lender is a friend, charging interest remains a form of explicit riba.
Sheikh Kamal added that repaying only the original amount borrowed is permissible, but any agreed-upon increase is prohibited. However, if the borrower chooses to offer a small gift later, voluntarily and without prior agreement, it is allowed as a gesture of gratitude rather than interest.
He concluded by reminding that a good (interest-free) loan is a virtuous act, while charging interest transforms the loan into a sinful transaction prohibited by Islamic law.
