Here is a quick check-list you can look at and then seek further detailed advice from your local Imam if you feel that one or more of these issues might be affecting you.

1. The Absence of Ribā

- are you receiving any interest upon your balance in your bank account? If so, this needs to be stopped immediately and/or an alternative Islamic bank account might need to be opened.

- have you taken a conventional loan from the bank or a student loan from the government? This will include repayment of interest which is impermissible (haram).

- do you have a conventional mortgage on your house? This must be replaced with something Islamically permissible.

- have you lent any money to someone and have conditioned upon that borrower any extra money or extra benefits to be returned to you? This is impermissible.

2. Restrictions on Unethical Concerns

Are you investing/have shares in companies that involve the following? If so, you need to get those investments checked with your Imam because they will be earning you largely impermissible income.

- Alcohol
- Banks
- Insurance companies
- Casino and gambling outlets
- Pornography
- Tobacco
- Any company that involves itself in impermissible activities that equate to over 5% of its income
- Any business which has a debt/asset ratio in excess of 33%

3. Deficient Contracts

Check any contracts you may have like phone, car-lease, utilities etc for the following:

i. Penalty clauses – any such clauses that demand extra payment in case of default, are impermissible

ii. Seller not having possession of goods – mostly referring to the financial markets for derivatives and options as well as short selling

iii. Contracts must be devoid of excessive uncertainty (gharar) – for example you buy something you haven’t seen, or isn’t likely to be made any time soon, or even prize draws and competitions where the level of uncertainty equates to gambling

iv. Finally, contracts must not be interlinked so as to form a contract within a contract – many car leasing and hire purchase agreements are like this