Create a Sharia-compliant alternative to student finance for Muslim students
Create a Sharia-compliant alternative to student finance for Muslim students
The Issue
We want the Government to create a genuine Sharia-compliant alternative to the current student finance system for Muslim students who cannot use interest-based finance because of their religious beliefs.
Many Muslim students want to attend university but face a difficult choice because they believe taking finance involving riba (interest) is not permissible. For some, this can mean delaying university, choosing a different path, or giving up on higher education altogether.
We believe students should not have to choose between pursuing their education and following their faith.
We are not asking for Muslim students to receive preferential treatment or additional financial support. We are asking for a fair alternative so students have a choice in how they finance their education.
We want the Government to work with qualified Islamic scholars, Muslim students, universities and financial experts to develop a sustainable Sharia-compliant model. Existing Islamic finance structures should be properly explored and adapted where appropriate for higher education.
We also ask the Government to treat this as a matter of urgency and avoid unnecessary delays in developing and introducing the scheme. Muslim students are making decisions about university and their futures every year, so we believe work on a halal student-finance alternative should begin as soon as possible, with clear progress and timescales.
The UK is a diverse country, and its student finance system should take into account the different circumstances and sincerely held beliefs of the students it serves.
We therefore ask the Government to investigate, develop and introduce a genuine, affordable and independently verified Sharia-compliant alternative to the current student finance system as quickly as reasonably possible.
Giving Muslim students this choice could allow thousands of young people to pursue higher education without feeling that they have to compromise their religious beliefs.
Please support this petition and help us make halal student finance a real option for students across the UK.
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The Issue
We want the Government to create a genuine Sharia-compliant alternative to the current student finance system for Muslim students who cannot use interest-based finance because of their religious beliefs.
Many Muslim students want to attend university but face a difficult choice because they believe taking finance involving riba (interest) is not permissible. For some, this can mean delaying university, choosing a different path, or giving up on higher education altogether.
We believe students should not have to choose between pursuing their education and following their faith.
We are not asking for Muslim students to receive preferential treatment or additional financial support. We are asking for a fair alternative so students have a choice in how they finance their education.
We want the Government to work with qualified Islamic scholars, Muslim students, universities and financial experts to develop a sustainable Sharia-compliant model. Existing Islamic finance structures should be properly explored and adapted where appropriate for higher education.
We also ask the Government to treat this as a matter of urgency and avoid unnecessary delays in developing and introducing the scheme. Muslim students are making decisions about university and their futures every year, so we believe work on a halal student-finance alternative should begin as soon as possible, with clear progress and timescales.
The UK is a diverse country, and its student finance system should take into account the different circumstances and sincerely held beliefs of the students it serves.
We therefore ask the Government to investigate, develop and introduce a genuine, affordable and independently verified Sharia-compliant alternative to the current student finance system as quickly as reasonably possible.
Giving Muslim students this choice could allow thousands of young people to pursue higher education without feeling that they have to compromise their religious beliefs.
Please support this petition and help us make halal student finance a real option for students across the UK.
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Petition created on 6 September 2026