Intermediate
Transactions
Surah: Al-Baqarah (279)
Prohibition of Usury and Its Degrees — War from Allah and His Messenger
فَأۡذَنُواْ بِحَرۡبٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَإِن تُبۡتُمۡ فَلَكُمۡ رُءُوسُ أَمۡوَٰلِكُمۡ
— البقرة الآية 279
Verse: "O believers, fear Allah and give up what remains of usury if you are believers. If you do not, then be warned of war from Allah and His Messenger." (2:278-279)
Severity of prohibition: Usury is among the few major sins declared as war from Allah and His Messenger — a rare warning in the Quran.
Types of usury: Riba al-fadl: excess in same-kind exchange (gold for more gold). Riba al-nasi'a: increase for delay — the most common today (lending with interest).
"You shall have your principal": The repentant usurer recovers only capital — without the usurious increase.
Severity of prohibition: Usury is among the few major sins declared as war from Allah and His Messenger — a rare warning in the Quran.
Types of usury: Riba al-fadl: excess in same-kind exchange (gold for more gold). Riba al-nasi'a: increase for delay — the most common today (lending with interest).
"You shall have your principal": The repentant usurer recovers only capital — without the usurious increase.
Source: Al-Qurtubi (3/364); Al-Jassas (1/552); Ibn Kathir (1/732)
Test Yourself
What is the difference between riba al-fadl and riba al-nasi'a?
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