Jawed Anwar

Riba (usury/interest) stands as the most destructive evil in modern economic systems. It is a primary catalyst for the collapse of nations, corroding societal wealth and inviting divine wrath, as declared by Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him).

Those who consume interest will stand ˹on Judgment Day˺ like those driven to madness by Satan’s touch. That is because they say, “Trade is no different than interest.” But Allah has permitted trading and forbidden interest. Whoever refrains—after having received warning from their Lord—may keep their previous gains, and their case is left to Allah. As for those who persist, it is they who will be the residents of the Fire. They will be there forever. (Al-Baqarah 2:275)

Allah has made interest fruitless and charity fruitful. And Allah does not like any ungrateful evildoer. (Al-Baqarah 2:276)

O believers! Fear Allah, and give up outstanding interest if you are ˹true˺ believers. (Al-Baqarah 2:278)      

If you do not, then beware of a war with Allah and His Messenger! But if you repent, you may retain your principal—neither inflicting nor suffering harm. (Al-Baqarah 2:279)

If it is difficult for someone to repay a debt, postpone it until a time of ease. And if you waive it as an act of charity, it will be better for you, if only you knew. (Al-Baqarah 2:280)

O believers! Do not consume interest, multiplying it many times over. And be mindful of Allah, so you may prosper. (Al-Imran 3:130)

We forbade the Jews certain foods that had been lawful to them for their wrongdoing, and for hindering many from the Way of Allah, taking interest despite its prohibition, and consuming people’s wealth unjustly. We have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful punishment. (An-Nisa 4: 160-161)

Whatever loans you give, ˹only˺ seeking interest at the expense of people’s wealth will not increase with Allah. But whatever charity you give, ˹only˺ seeking the pleasure of Allah—it is they whose reward will be multiplied. (Ar-Rum 30:39)     

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who gives it, the one who witnesses it, and the one who records it. [Narrated by: Muslim 1598, USC-MSA Web (English) reference, :Book 10, Hadith 3881]

Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Avoid the seven great destructive sins." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What are they?" He said, "To join others in worship with Allah, to practice sorcery, to kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause, to eat up Riba (usury), to eat up an orphan's wealth, to give back to the enemy and fleeing from the battlefield at the time of fighting, and to accuse chaste women who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers." (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith 2766):

Anas reported God’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: "When one of you makes a loan and the borrower sends him a present or provides an animal for him to ride, he must not ride the one or accept the other unless it is a practice they followed previously." (Mishkat al-Masabih 2831)

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "There are seventy degrees of usury, the least of which is equivalent to a man having intercourse with his mother." (Sunan Ibn Majah 2274)

Note: The comparison highlights the extreme severity of Riba.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt, like for like, equal for equal, hand to hand. If the types are different, then sell as you wish, if it is hand to hand." (Sahih Muslim 1587a)

Narrated 'Ubadah bin As-Samit (r.a.):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt, like for like and equal for equal, and hand to hand. If the types are different, sell as you wish, if it is hand to hand." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2174)

Bara' ibn 'Azib reported: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about exchanging gold for silver and replied: 'If the amounts are equal, there is no problem. If one is more than the other, then it is riba.' (Sahih Muslim 1596)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned of profound challenges in the ummah following his time: the lifting of sacred knowledge with the death of true scholars, the unchecked proliferation of riba that corrupts justice and equity, and the ensuing veil of ignorance over hearts and societies. (Sahi Bukhari and Ibn Maja)

This prophetic insight highlights three interconnected tribulations after the Prophet's era—the erosion of scholarly guidance, the erosion of fair economic dealings through usury's dominance, and the unchecked rise of unguided folly among the masses.

Indeed, these signs feel acutely present in our world today, urging us to revive knowledge, shun exploitative systems, and seek divine clarity amid the shadows.

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