Lending the Mosque’s Paddy on Credit

Question

Some of the mosque’s paddy (unhusked rice) was lent on credit to those who cultivate its land, with repayment set for the harvest season. At that time the price has fallen, whereas at the time the paddy was given it is expensive; in this way the mosque suffers a loss of two to three hundred rupees. Is it proper to lend the mosque’s paddy in this manner or not?

Answer

According to the Shari‘a this is not proper. Whatever loss the mosque is suffering, liability (daman) for it is binding. If, however, the same weight of paddy that was given has been returned, no liability is binding, even though there is a difference in price.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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