Europe

UK student-loan system angers some Muslims

Thousands said to have left studies over introduction of new system non-compliant with Islamic law.
Last Modified: 14 Mar 2013 08:41

Muslims students in the UK have been protesting against a new loan system that was implemented this academic year because it must be paid back with interest.

For a devout Muslim, this is unacceptable because usury is illegal under Islamic law.

While complaints were made about how the new system might exclude the poor, it went unnoticed that interest would be a big problem for Muslims.

Ministers say they have found an alternative compliant with Islamic law, but it must be enforced with government legislation and it is not clear how long that will take.

Islamic student leaders say the new law has led to thousands of people dropping out of higher education.

Al Jazeera's Laurence Lee reports from London.

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Al Jazeera
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