The Prophet (PBUH) predicted our plight. The global economic structure does not leave us with an alternative, but Islam does. What matters at the moment is not whether we can root it out entirely, but how ferocious a struggle we can launch against it—socially, intellectually, and politically.
Syed Shahab Ud Din Andrabi
There is a hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) in Sahih Muslim, narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Indeed, Allah raises some people by this Book (the Qur’an) and lowers others by it.”
In his commentary on this hadith, Imam Nawawi explains that “Allah raises some people” means that He elevates their status in this world and in the Hereafter. He further states that this elevation is achieved when an individual consistently practises four things:
- One recites the Arabic text of the Qur’an.
- While reciting, one knows and strives to understand what it means.
- Whatever injunctions one absorbs while pondering over the Qur’an, one puts them into practice.
- It becomes one’s responsibility to disseminate and teach the Qur’an to those who are unaware of it.
Islam is a philosophy, and the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet (PBUH) are the explanation that succinctly presents its articles. Therefore, for a group of people who claim to believe in and represent this philosophy, it is incumbent upon them to recite, strive to understand, implement, and teach the Book to others as well.
Despite being the most succinctly revealed Book, the standards and requirements of the Qur’an are so high and demanding that while wading through it, a person becomes, all at once, both ashamed and frightened. When we say we “believe in Islam,” it is not a mere statement used for spicy and juicy deliberations. It is a very tall claim. And if, after enunciating it, a person or a group of people do not live up to it, the consequences are pernicious for both the individual and the group.
The case of Riba (interest)
The case of Riba is one of the most glaring examples of how we as a society fail to prove our loyalty to Islam. Although the injunctions are straightforward in the Qur’an and Hadith, that does not mean they are easy to follow. Islam is succinct but at the same time strict. As a corollary, loyalty to Islam is proven in the same manner as Hussain bin Ali (RA) demonstrated at Karbala.
The Qur’anic verdict on Riba
The first verse to be revealed concerning Riba was verse 39 of Surah Ar-Rum, which imposes a moral proscription and dissuasion rather than a legal one. In this verse, Allah (SWT) says: “Whatever you pay as interest so that it may increase in the wealth of the people, it does not increase with Allah, and whatever Zakah (charity) you give, seeking Allah’s good pleasure with it, that is multiplied manifold.”
Since Surah Ar-Rum was revealed in Makkah, the forbiddance of Riba was neither viable nor applicable. But Allah (SWT) injected a kind of disdain and dissonance within the minds of the small group of people who had accepted the call of Muhammad (PBUH) to Islam.
The first verse that prohibits the consumption of Riba is verse 130 of Surah Ali ‘Imran (Chapter 3). Allah (SWT) says: “O you who believe, do not consume Riba, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah so that you may be successful.”
This verse specifically bans the concept of compound interest that is pervasive globally at the moment.
The final injunction concerning Riba comprises two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (verses 278–279). Allah (SWT) says: “O you who believe, fear Allah and give up what still remains of Riba, if you are true believers. But if you do not, then listen to the declaration of war from Allah and His Messenger. However, if you repent, yours is the principal amount.”
In reference to these verses, Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) said: “The last verse revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) was the verse of Riba.” Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) said: “Every loan that brings a benefit is Riba.” Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) said: “The last verse to be revealed was the verse of Riba, and the Messenger (PBUH) passed away before explaining it to us in detail. So, leave Riba and whatever resembles it.”
Riba in the Hadith
The ahadith concerning Riba are numerous. However, mentioning all of them is not possible. Therefore, only those sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) will be mentioned which highlight the severity and enormity of this sin.
There is a hadith in Sahih Muslim, narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah (RA), in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cursed four people: the one who takes Riba, the one who gives it, the one who writes down the transaction, and the two witnesses. And the Prophet (PBUH) said they are all equal (equal in this sin).
Another hadith, mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah and narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), states that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Riba has seventy-three types, and the least of them is equal to a man having sexual intercourse with his own mother.”
From this, we can very well gauge how enormous a sin it is. We see this filth all around us and freely allow its consumption and still have the audacity to say, “We are Muslims.”
The Way Forward
I know there are many complexities associated with this issue, as the global economic structure does not leave us with an alternative. But Islam does. The Prophet (PBUH) exactly predicted this plight of ours when he said: “A time will certainly come when everyone will be consuming Riba, and if a person says he is not consuming Riba, the dust of Riba will be on him.”
What matters at the moment is not whether we can root it out entirely, but how ferocious a struggle we can launch against it—socially, intellectually, and politically.
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