{"id":47076,"date":"2021-02-20T11:08:15","date_gmt":"2021-02-20T11:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thecanary.co\/?p=657534"},"modified":"2021-02-20T11:08:15","modified_gmt":"2021-02-20T11:08:15","slug":"student-loans-continue-to-discriminate-against-muslim-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radiofree.asia\/2021\/02\/20\/student-loans-continue-to-discriminate-against-muslim-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Student loans continue to discriminate against Muslim students"},"content":{"rendered":"

To be Muslim in Britain means to be a part of a population of 3 million<\/a>. Like all religions, what it means to be Muslim varies for each individual and the guidelines of practicing Islam differ.<\/p>\n

Interest is forbidden<\/h5>\n

For young people venturing from college or sixth form into university, accepting a monstrous educational debt will always be a tricky decision. But for Muslims, deciding to take out a Student Finance Loan \u2013 or for that matter any loan which requires repayment with interest \u2013 holds a heavier burden. This is because loans with interest are deemed ‘haram’, meaning forbidden.<\/p>\n

Aaisha Illiyas always knew that she wanted to study at university. Now, a first-year dental student at Queen Mary University of London, she\u2019s set to complete a five-year course. Illiyas told The Canary:<\/em><\/p>\n

I planned to go to university from a young age and worked hard for it. Being Muslim is a huge part of who I am. I have always been brought up with this religion and it means a lot to me so my actions every day reflect my beliefs.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Skyrocketing fees<\/h5>\n

In England, the cost of financing education has rapidly increased over the years. And it now stands at around \u00a39,250 per year just for tuition fees alone. It’s a cost The Canary<\/em> has previously reported<\/a> on and hasn\u2019t been adjusted for remote learning or online teaching in the age of coronavirus (Covid-19).<\/p>\n

Most university courses typically run for 3-5 years before completion, so tuition fees can total a minimum of \u00a327,750. That’s close to Statista\u2019s 2020 figures<\/a>, which show the average annual salary earnings of a person in the UK.<\/p>\n

Moreover, accommodation costs, resource fees, travel, food and all other aspects of studying impact the overall cost \u2013 it\u2019s a snowball effect. Not to mention that applying for a Student Finance Maintenance Loan is also, of course, not permitted for Muslims.<\/p>\n

Paying the hefty price to study can be near impossible for someone whose religious beliefs do not support the limited finance options available in Britain.<\/p>\n

Deenah Williams, part-time Wilko worker and first-year primary education student with QTS, said taking out a finance loan was not an option because of her religion and interest fee concerns. Williams told The Canary:<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s an important matter in the sense that people take religion really serious[ly] and large Uni fees. People who desire to do things like become a doctor to save lives cannot as they are too scared to be in debt or go against religious beliefs.<\/p>\n

I find it extremely hard and stressful to go to Uni and get this degree as me and my family are constantly thinking about paying [for tuition] and where we can find the money.<\/span><\/p>\n

The only bursary I\u2019ve received from Uni is the low income one which was not a lot at all.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What alternative finance options are there?<\/h5>\n

So far, the Student Loans Company has been the go-to, primary finance resource for those looking to pursue university in England. Other options provided by universities more or less depend on the individual establishment and only some offer religious based scholarships, bursaries, fee waivers and information to charitable trusts such as National Zakat Foundation<\/a>\u00a0and Turn2us grants search<\/a>. And only a select number of students will be granted what little is available. Educational funds<\/a> like those given by the National Zakat Foundation help with the cost of fees for a maximum of 3 consecutive years.<\/p>\n

Illiyas, whose dental course lasts for 5 years, said:<\/p>\n

The only barrier relating to religion would be financing as tuition fees as well as living costs add up to a huge amount to pay without taking any loans \u2013 especially as my course is pretty long. Besides that, religion wouldn\u2019t impact me going into university.<\/p>\n

My family have been very supportive in my studies and have always helped me do the best I can.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Before starting her studies in September, Illiyas took a gap year and spent her time working with hopes to earn as much money as possible to help finance university.<\/p>\n

I haven\u2019t taken out a student loan, my parents are covering the costs of tuition. My siblings both work full-time and are happy to help with my university costs which will be a massive help.<\/p>\n

Due to Covid-19 I\u2019ve been living at home which means there haven\u2019t been any travel costs which saved a lot of money.<\/span><\/p>\n

I lost my job last year due to Covid and haven\u2019t been able to find one since, but I am planning to as soon as possible so I can help out.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Eight years in the making<\/h5>\n

Part-time work while studying full-time is a route plenty of students must take. Even when the commute costs are kept low and when it\u2019s possible for students to stay living at home, university is expensive.<\/p>\n

Relying on family members or close friends to help with finances is common. And it\u2019s been long debated whether the price to attend university is truly fair. As finance loans are often the main or only option students can take, the discussion about whether this should change for people in the UK is ongoing.<\/p>\n

Sharia-compliant funding systems comply with Islamic laws. According to the Bank of England<\/a>, these finance products and services do not require people to pay interest. And they ensure that the bank will not invest money held in these accounts in \u201canything that the Shari\u2019ah says is harmful\u201d.<\/p>\n

Islamic banks include Al Rayan Bank<\/a>, United Bank UK<\/a>, QuardHasan<\/a> and Ansar Finance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In September 2014, the UK government agreed<\/a> to offer an Alternative Student Finance (ASF) option. It also agreed to \u201censure that it was approved by a reputable Sharia board which met International standards\u201d. The aim would be \u201ccompatible with their moral and religious beliefs\u201d alongside \u201cnot putting them at any advantage or disadvantage to those who take out traditional student loans\u201d.<\/p>\n

Yet, at the end of the report, the plans only stated they were \u201cunlikely\u201d to meet the deadline date set before the 2016\/17 academic year.<\/p>\n

Since then, nothing\u2019s been put in place as an ASF. Twitter user Scott Keir summarised the timescale best:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Just listening to this now – https:\/\/t.co\/moN2I5EBML<\/a>
Cameron promised Sharia compliant student loans in 2013, Govt consultation in 2014 promises action (https:\/\/t.co\/WNl07SKXxu<\/a> ), loans could be option for all students at same cost. Since then… silence. https:\/\/t.co\/Dv6dnC7bX4<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/dXjxeWTP91<\/a><\/p>\n

— Scott Keir (@scottkeir) January 23, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n