Prohibition of Interest (Hurmat-e-Sood)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, forms, Quranic rulings, and socio-economic and spiritual harms of interest (Riba) according to Islamic teachings.

Riba

The Arabic word for interest, defined as lending money or goods and stipulating a conditional increase or profit upon return.

Non-Monetary Interest

Benefits taken from a debtor in place of or alongside money, such as residing in their house rent-free or at a reduced rate, or returning a greater quantity of grain than borrowed (e.g., returning 6 or 7 kg of wheat for 5 kg).

Islamic Ruling on Interest

Interest is categorically and definitively forbidden (qat'i taur par haram) because it fosters freeloading, greed, selfishness, hard-heartedness, opportunism, and economic destruction.

Surah Ali 'Imran, Verse 130

The Quranic verse instructing believers: 'O you who believe! Do not consume usury, doubled and multiplied, and fear Allah (disobedience to Him) so that you may prosper.'

Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 275

The Quranic verse establishing economic legitimacy: 'Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury.'

War against Allah and His Messenger

The grave Quranic characterization equated to engaging in usury and interest-based transactions.

True Effects of Usurious Wealth

While outwardly appearing to increase wealth, interest in reality brings loss, a lack of blessing (be-barkati), and sudden calamities—Allah eradicates interest and increases charities—and leads to disgrace and humiliation in the Hereafter.