This is a translation. The Arabic original is the authoritative text. Read the Arabic original
The question
What is the ruling on using credit cards in the United Kingdom, given that almost all of them include a clause charging interest on late payment?
The answer
In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
It is beyond dispute that in the United Kingdom it is difficult, or impossible, to carry out many transactions without a credit card and a credit history. The financial system relies on them in matters large and small: buying a house or a car, buying simple goods, renting, or arranging instalments.
Since all unsecured credit cards are either entirely interest-based or contain an interest clause, and no Sharia-compliant alternatives are available, my ruling is as follows:
- There is no harm in obtaining a credit card that includes a late-payment interest clause, provided the person is sure they are able to repay and can settle the balance before the due date. This falls under the principle of widespread necessity (umum al-balwa), and the Sharia came to make things easy.
- There is no difference between using the card for cash withdrawals or for buying goods and services, unless the bank charges a large fee on every cash withdrawal. In that case, cash withdrawals should be avoided and the card used only for purchases.
- A Muslim must make the effort to find the banks and cards with the fewest concerns and the longest interest-free period before any late-payment charge applies.
- As a person's credit standing improves, cards with better terms and fewer Sharia concerns become available, so one should move to them as soon as they are available.
- Ideally, there should be a specific ruling for each person according to their need, and for each card according to its type.
And Allah knows best.
Issued by: Sheikh Khaled AbdelnabiHead of the Sharia Board, The Bridge of Wisdom Limited and Dar Manchester for Fatwa & Research
Director, The Bridge of Wisdom Limited (Sharia Consultancy)DM-2026-002 · 2 October 2026
Director, The Bridge of Wisdom Limited (Sharia Consultancy)DM-2026-002 · 2 October 2026
About the mufti
- Holds ijazahs (formal licences) to issue fatwas and in comparative fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
- Postgraduate studies in Usul al-Fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence).
- Member of the Sharia Committee of the Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE).
- Adviser and mufti to a number of institutions across the Muslim world.
- Scholarly reviewer and editor (muhaqqiq) of books for a number of publishing houses.
- Imam, khatib and lecturer, formerly in Egypt, Malaysia and Indonesia, and currently in the United Kingdom.
This fatwa is a general answer to the question above; the ruling may differ with different circumstances. It is not financial, legal or medical advice. In family matters, UK law also applies (for example, civil registration of marriage and divorce through the courts). For your own situation, contact us.
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