Murabaha and riba-free credit

Islamic Fiqh > Financial transactions > Murabaha and riba-free credit

Buying on credit without interest: murabaha (sale at a known marked-up price), its conditions and the clear line with interest loans.

Updated on 06 October 2026 at 10:50 PM

Murabaha (cost-plus sale) and tawliya (sale at cost price): their rules, conditions and disagreements.

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The evidence among the classical schools

Minah al-Jalil by al-Dardir · Maliki school

(Chapter) It is permitted as murabaha (resale at a known price with a margin).

Al-Hawi al-Kabir by al-Mawardi · Shafi'i school

Chapter: sale by murabaha. Question: al-Shafi'i, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "If he sells it by murabaha upon ten, plus one, and says: it cost me one hundred dirhams, then says: I erred, but it cost me ninety, it is due to the buyer for its capital and his share of the profit."

Frequently asked questions

Is murabaha really different from credit?

Structurally yes: the bank buys the asset, owns it then resells it to you at a known price; credit lends money for a supplement (riba).

What if I repay early?

Per contract: remaining capital balance or total price; no penalty enriching the lender per the academies (the fine goes to charity).

Does murabaha sometimes hide simple interest?

The risk exists: check the bank's real ownership, cost transparency and absence of guaranteed rate on money.

What alternatives to murabaha?

Ijara (lease-to-own), musharaka mutanaqisa (diminishing partnership) and salam: see the corresponding pages.

Sources and references

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