Re: Your Bottom $$ Matters
I think this discussion is getting not only off-topic, but rather unfair. Unfair on those who believe that modern banking interest is similar to riba and thus haram. The original discussion was rent-vs-buy. If anyone makes their decision solely on the basis of saying that since interest is haraam so they will rent, thats fine. They can still buy propoerty the old fashioned way by saving all their lives and then buying a home by paying 100% cash. Thats a personal choice and we should respect that. My aim of participating in this thread was just to provide a balance in the discussion, which seemed to suggest that renting has all the benefits and buying a property has practically nothing in its favor. I think thats not only a simplistic view, but may be misleading. Everyone should make this decision carefully after considering all aspects of the debate.
To those people who avoid bank interest, because they consider it haraam, I'd say more power to you. You are doing this because you want to be on the right side of Allah and His Prophet (Peace be upon him). Whether you are correct or not in your opinion doesn't really matter. What is important is that you have the strength to stay the course and be firm in your convictions. Many times you do that by avoiding things that are easy and sometimes you willingly let go of lucrative opportunities because you want to avoid something you consider as haram. Even if you can't avoid interest 100% due to things outside your control, I am sure Allah will reward you amply for making your best effort in this cause. Jazak Allah.