What Is Qard?
Qard (قرض) means a pure, interest-free loan. You borrow money and repay only the principal—no interest added.
The Prophet Muhammad encouraged qard: "The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you. And whoever loans money to his brother intending good, Allah will write him as one of those who do good."
How Qard Works
Example: A friend needs $5,000. You lend it with agreement to repay over 5 years with NO interest.
- Borrow: $5,000
- Repay: $100/month for 50 months
- Interest: $0
- Total repaid: $5,000 (exactly what was borrowed)
Qard vs Conventional Loans
- Qard: $5,000 borrowed → $5,000 repaid (✅ halal)
- Bank loan: $5,000 borrowed → $6,500 repaid with interest (❌ haram)
Where to Get Qard Loans
- Islamic banks: Many offer qard financing
- Friends/family: Most direct and honest
- Islamic credit unions: Growing in Muslim communities
- Mosque community funds: Some mosques maintain qard programs
Bottom Line
Qard is the Islamic solution to borrowing without riba. If you need a loan, seek qard from your community or Islamic institutions rather than conventional banks.