Q: Salam Alaikum,
What is the Islamic ruling on credit cards?  Also can you please state the severe side effects of dealing with Riba? Jazakullah
Time: Tuesday January 25, 2011 at 12:10 am

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Allah will deprive usury of all its blessings (barakah), and He causes charitable deeds to flourish, and Allah does not love any ungrateful sinner (2:276)

• If the credit card bill is paid off by its due date without incurring interest, such a usage of the credit card  would be permissible.

Added information to better keep you religiously compliant:

• For small transactions one should try and keep adequate cash. This would be best and less tempting towards wrongful financial transactions.
• We are living in times of extreme ‘watchfulness’ as to how Muslims spend their wealth, thus for issues of personal security and false accusations, it may be best to use a debit card rather than a credit card.
• Should one only have access to a credit card, than in such an instance one should not roll over its payment into an interest bearing transaction. This would constitute a sin.

The ill effects of it are as follows:
Reduced baraka in ones family, reduce babrakah in transactions, lack of contentment, greater level of family and social discord, gradual hatred towards one’s spouse, children and parents, social restlessness, selfishness, meanness, not wanting to spend even when one has money to do so, lewdness in dress and manners, nasty attitude, wanting the money of others with a sense of greed and false entitlement, hoarding wealth, unwanted arguments, less love, roaming eyes towards that which is forbidden, evil thoughts, fear of poverty and looking down upon others without valid reason.

As one can tell, dealing in haram would only result in an adverse outcome. The above has been proven time and time again. Live in accordance to what Allah (SWT) has blessed you with. Work hard and accept your lot in life and Allah (SWT) would fill your heart with pure contentment, Ameen.

So let us be cautious about our dealings and monitor them accordingly, so as to create and opportunity of Baraka in every facet of our lives.

I appreciate your question and you patience in seeking my response.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.