Intermediate
Usury
Surah: Al-Baqarah (275)
The Prohibition of Riba — Economic and Spiritual Major Sin
وَأَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡبَيۡعَ وَحَرَّمَ ٱلرِّبَوٰاْ
— البقرة الآية 275
Verse: "O you who believe, fear Allah and give up remaining riba... if you do not, then take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger." (2:278-279)
Exceptional severity: Allah declared war on the usurer — found in no other sin with such clarity in the Quran.
Definition: Stipulated increase in a money loan — any loan that draws benefit is riba.
Two types: Riba al-fadl (excess in exchange of like items); Riba al-nasi'a (delay-based increase).
Lawful alternative: "Allah has permitted trade and forbidden riba" — trade profits, partnership (musharaka), and profit-sharing (mudaraba).
Exceptional severity: Allah declared war on the usurer — found in no other sin with such clarity in the Quran.
Definition: Stipulated increase in a money loan — any loan that draws benefit is riba.
Two types: Riba al-fadl (excess in exchange of like items); Riba al-nasi'a (delay-based increase).
Lawful alternative: "Allah has permitted trade and forbidden riba" — trade profits, partnership (musharaka), and profit-sharing (mudaraba).
Source: Al-Qurtubi (3/355); Ibn Al-Arabi (1/235); Sahih Al-Bukhari (2766)
Test Yourself
What exceptional warning in the riba verse is not found for any other major sin?
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