RIBA: THE STORY OF DECAYING JUSTICE, NOT SWELLING WEALTH, THROUGH THE LENS OF THE QUR'AN
RIBA: THE STORY OF DECAYING JUSTICE, NOT SWELLING WEALTH, THROUGH THE LENS OF THE QUR'AN Riba (usury/interest) is one of the sins against which the most severe expressions are used in the Qur'an. In fact, it stands out as the only economic crime against which Allah and His Messenger have declared war: "And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger." (Al-Baqarah 2:279) This expression demonstrates that riba is not merely an individual moral failing, but a systemic corruption targeting the economic and social order of humanity. In the modern world, riba is often understood simply as an "interest rate." Yet, the picture presented by the Qur'an is far broader. Riba is the name of a system where money replaces labor, debt replaces production, and exploitation replaces sharing. The Etymology of Riba: Increase or Swelling? The word riba (ربا) originates from the Arabic root r-b-v . This root carries the meanings of: In...