What should be done with interest?

Question: 20695

I am working in a company where they gave to employees a few years ago a mount of money they put in a blocked account for 5 years. This amount of money is with interest and they give it to you after 5 years or when you give your resignation.

I know it is haram but we did not have any choice.

I am going to leave the company in a few month, and I would like to know how I have to do with this money. Can I keep what they gave me initially and give the amount of interest os saddakka ? Can you please help me, because I do not want to commit a sin.

Answer

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and his family.

The money that you are going to take after five years will be composed of the capital – which is the money paid by the company – and the riba-based profits – which are known as interest. Because riba-based money is not permissible for you, you have no right to take any more than the capital, and you have to leave the interest to the bank, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums”

[al-Baqarah 2:279]