Imamate of one who consumes interest (riba)

Question

Zayd consumes interest (riba), takes people’s goods in pawn on interest, practises divination and the like, tells people about their fortunes, and is deaf. He recites the Qur’an incorrectly and sells amulets for a price. The said Zayd is the imam and qadi of the settlement and an ordinary teacher. Having the mentioned attributes, may Zayd perform the imamate and the office of qadi or not? Kindly give an answer in the light of the Noble Qur’an, the “maqtu‘” (?)

Answer

Consuming interest is haram; likewise, taking goods in pawn on interest is haram. Divination is also forbidden. And no one except Allah Most High knows people’s destinies: [ar]وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًا[/ar] “And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow…” (Surah Luqman, 31:34).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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