Taking Riba to pay the taxes

Q: I would like to tell Your Eminence that I am a Saudi student studying in Britain. We are charged with taxes by the British (Part No. 13; Page No. 367) government, such as road tax, a tax levied on commodities other than foodstuff and children wear and a newly levied tax on municipal services presented by the city's municipality such as education, cleaning, swimming pools, parks, entertainment places and social services. In fact, we do not make use of most of such services being against the principles of Islam. We benefit only from services such as education, cleaning and children playgrounds. Nevertheless, we have to pay such a tax ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 Saudi riyals per year, i.e. about 300 riyals per month. Your Eminence Shaykh, my question is: Is it permissible to deposit a sum of money in an interest-bearing deposit account? Such an account gives 12% annual profits, from which I pay such taxes. Since I cannot do anything in this regard unless I have evidence in compliance with Allah's saying: So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can I hope that Your Eminence will reply to my message as soon as possible so that I can act accordingly. Be informed that paying such taxes will add to my financial burdens. I ask Allah to prolong your life and bestow on you good health. Best regards.

A: It is impermissible for you to deposit money in an interest-bearing account to make use of interests in paying taxes you are charged with. This is based on the general purport of the evidence prohibiting Riba (usury/interest). (Part No. 13; Page No. 368) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.