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Salamulaykum,

I am in dept $4,500 due to my college and my taking of loan from an organization known as OSAP. Which helps students who cannot afford their post secondary, in that, they pay off college fees, however one has to repay the money after graduation. Hence, I have borrowed $4,500 from them. I have no help to pay off this money. Although I have asked from assistance from my mother, who is my only parent living with me, but she refused. I work and I am trying to pay off this dept immediately ever since I heard of the seriouness of being in dept in islam. My mother however constantly is asking me for money and I have explained to her my situation. Her hours at work have been cut off. Regardless I always gave her 85% of my money or 100% often. In addition, my sister is helping her financially, occasionally my brother does as well and she has some $45,000 saved. I want to know being in the situation that I am, in this case do I have to give my mother the usual amount that I give her, or do I have to at least give her a small portion to purify my wealth, or do i have to give her any money at all (being in the situation that I am in).

Jazakallah Khairan, May Allah reward with the goodness of this world and the hereafter. Ameen. Inshallah my question/concern reaches you in good health. I would greatly appreciate your help.

Wasalam

Wa Alaykum as Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

Brother your duty towards the upkeep of your mother is paramount. You have to ensure that your brother and you ensure that all her needs are taken care of.

Taking out an interest bearing loan is haraam. If you have done it in ignorance, then you should sincerely make taubah and never ever take out a loan again. InshaAllah you will find your Rabb ever merciful and forgiving. However, you have to repay this loan as soon as possible but not at the expense of ignoring your mother's well being.

The best thing is to speak to your mother humbly and explain your situation. If she cooperates with you to help in reducing her expenses for a short time till you pay off your loan, then that would be ideal, but under no circumstances should you bother her with your debts. You have created the debt, you should handle it even if it means working over-time. Remember breaking the boundaries of Islam has its consequences.

May Allah swt make your trials easy.

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Jazak Allahu Khairan for answering my question, it was very helpful for me.  By the way I am a sister, just in case.

Sister if you have brothers and they are capable to bear your mother's full expenses then it is their duty to do the same. Daughters are usually not required to share the burden of running the household. However, if your brother is unable then it is only right that you share with the expenses.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

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