The Essence of the Holy Qur’an

The Hidden Destruction of Interest (Riba)

“O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah that ye may (really) prosper.”

(Surah No. 3: Al ‘Imran; Verse No. 130)

Dear friends,
Interest, or riba, refers to taking back more than what was originally lent, without effort or rightful earning. It is an unjust gain placed upon the shoulders of the needy, turning their hardship into an opportunity for profit. Islam clearly declares all forms of interest as haram and warns against it as a grave sin.

The prohibition of interest carries deep wisdom for both individuals and society. It removes barakah not only from wealth but from life itself. Where interest becomes common, we often witness growing inequality, financial distress, broken families, and even despair leading to extreme outcomes. The gap between rich and poor widens, while values such as generosity, compassion, and mutual support begin to fade. Instead of helping one another for the sake of Allah, people become driven by profit alone, weakening their sense of halal and haram.

On the other hand, wealth gained through interest brings no true benefit. It burdens the soul and leads to loss in both this world and the Hereafter. The Messenger of Allah (s) warned, “Those who increase their property by way of interest cannot benefit from their property.” He also reminded us, “No one can eat food that is more favorable than their own gain.”

Therefore, let us protect ourselves from the harms of interest, a system that has long been a source of exploitation and injustice. Let us seek lawful earnings, trust in Allah’s provision, and remember that true success lies not in accumulation, but in purity and barakah of what we earn.