Paying someone while knowing they will use the money to pay off interest-bearing debt.
I am writing to seek your guidance on a matter that has been weighing on my conscience. I work as a software developer for a client who runs a sunbathing studio. Unfortunately, there were some bugs in the app I created for the client, which resulted in a loss of revenue for him. I apologized to the client for my mistake, and he forgave me, but he had to take out an interest-bearing loan to pay off his vendors. The total amount owed was around 5000 US dollars, but my client has decided to deduct a certain amount from my weekly invoices until 20% of the total loss is met.
My concern is that while my client may use the money to pay off the interest debt, I am not paying 20% of the loan amount, but 20% of the total loss. Is there anything sinful with this arrangement?
I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice you can provide on this matter.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Respected brother,
We commend you on trying to stay away from Allah’s prohibitions.
You are not sinful for whichever way your client uses money deducted from you.
May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala increase your khair and bless you with His nearness.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best