Question
I have a restaurant, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have incurred a lot of debts for the workers with me, and I am unable to repay them easily. The Social Security Institution imposes interest on any delay in paying the workers' installments. Is it permissible to negotiate with them and agree on repayment within a certain period where they reduce the interest rate due to the delay?
Answer
I say, and with God's guidance: It is known that the Guarantee Foundation has approved usury in its system, and every citizen is compelled to deal with it in entering the guarantee for their institution. It imposes an interest rate on delays in payment; thus, if a debt arises for the subscribers, they are required to pay usurious interest for every delay that occurs on their part. Therefore, as long as you are compelled to pay a portion of usury due to a delay in payment unless you reach an agreement with the institution, it is permissible for you to negotiate with them to reduce this usurious rate. However, it is preferable for you to pay what you owe in debts unless this causes you evident harm, and God knows best.