Wrote the check

Q: I am an employee in a university, in the copying department, which also includes printing. (Part No. 15; Page No. 59) Part of our job is to print introductory letters for some people associated with the university, to help them to get loans from the Bank of Cairo. This is the bank that the university deals with to pay the employees' salaries. It should be taken into consideration that the bank adds 10% of the loan as Riba (usury)-based interest to the value of the loan. I hope that Your Eminence will explain the following:1. What is the ruling on printing these introductory letters and what is the ruling on those who prepare them before printing? It should be realized that we are obliged to do this work.2. What is the ruling on those who receive a benefit from these introductory letters?3. What is the ruling on the bank practices? May Allah reward you with the best.

A: This printing is not permissible nor are the introductory letters, if the letter holders and the copiers know that they are being issued to assist in Riba-based dealings. This is based on the general meaning of the Hadith Sahih (a Hadith that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish) that was reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): He (peace be upon him) cursed the one who consumes (takes) Riba, the one who pays it, the one who writes it down and the two who witness it. He (peace be upon him) said, “They are all equal.” (Related by Muslim in his "Sahih [Book of Authentic Hadith]") And the general meaning of Allah’s Saying: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. (Part No. 15; Page No. 60) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.