Donating Your Interest (Riba): Turning What’s Impermissible Into a Source of Good

For many Muslims, the question of what to do with bank interest (Riba) is a recurring concern. We know that Riba is prohibited in Islam - yet in today’s financial systems, it can be difficult to avoid. The good news is that Islam provides a clear and compassionate way forward: dispose of interest by giving it away to charitable causes that support those in need.

At Save An Orphan, we help transform this unwanted income into something meaningful - food, warmth, and essential support for vulnerable families around the world.

Allah has permitted trade and forbidden Riba.”

(Surah Al‑Baqarah 2:275)

How Donating Interest Helps Those in Need

When you donate your interest through Save An Orphan, it is used for essential, non‑religious services that directly support vulnerable communities, such as:

• Food distributions
• Clean water access
• Emergency relief
• Shelter and basic needs
• Support for widows, orphans, and displaced families

“Giving this money to the poor and destitute is lawful for them…
it is not considered as having taken riba.”
[IslamWeb]

Your unwanted income becomes a source of relief for someone who has nothing.

Why Save An Orphan?

Our teams work in some of the world’s most challenging environments, delivering food, water, and essential aid to families who face daily hardship. Your donated interest helps us reach:

• Orphans without guardians
• Families living in displacement camps
• Communities affected by conflict or poverty
• Children who rely on daily food support

Every pound you redirect becomes a lifeline for someone who cannot meet their basic needs.

Why Riba Cannot Be Kept

Islam teaches that Riba is not permissible to earn, use, or benefit from. It cannot be spent on ourselves, our families, or personal projects. Scholars explain that although the money itself is impure for personal use, it can still be redirected to relieve hardship and support those who are struggling.

This is not considered Sadaqah or Zakat - rather, it is a way of removing something impermissible from your wealth in a manner that still benefits others.

A Way to Purify Your Wealth

Although donating interest does not carry the spiritual reward of Sadaqah, it does help purify your remaining wealth. It is an act of responsibility, sincerity, and care for the wider Ummah.

By removing Riba from your finances, you protect your earnings - and by giving it to those in need, you protect someone else’s dignity.

Dispose of Riba. Provide Relief. Make a Difference!

If you have accumulated interest in your bank account, savings, or investments, you can dispose of it in a way that brings benefit to others. It’s a simple action with a powerful impact.

May Allah purify our wealth, protect our intentions, and ease the suffering of those who rely on our generosity.