Author: Fadhilatush Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad (Hafizahullah)
يَأْتِي عَلَى النَّاسِ زَمَانٌ، لَا يُبَالِي الْمَرْءُ مَا أَخَذَ مِنْهُ، أَمِنَ الْحَلَالِ أَمْ مِنَ الْحَرَامِ
“A time will come upon people when a person will not care whether what he acquires is from lawful (halal) or unlawful (haram) sources.” [Sahih Bukhari/ Al-Buyu': 2059]
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) also made a statement regarding interest (riba), saying:
“A time will come upon people when they will indulge in interest without hesitation.” It was asked: “Will all people be involved in this?” He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied: “Those who do not directly consume interest will still be affected by its dust.” [Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 2, Pg. 494]
Reflecting upon this hadith, it becomes evident that interest has permeated society worldwide to such an extent that every individual is indirectly impacted by it. In such circumstances, even if a Muslim genuinely wishes to avoid riba with sincerity, they encounter challenges at every step. Usurers are widespread, and they have laid out traps to ensnare people, cleverly disguised. While it may not be entirely impossible to avoid them, it certainly is challenging. However, the guidance from Allah Almighty is:
“O people! Eat of what is lawful and pure on the earth.” [Al-Baqarah: 168]
This command emphasizes the importance of seeking only what is pure and lawful as sustenance. It serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant about the sources of their livelihood, even when the environment around them is rife with temptations and challenges.
يَأْتِي عَلَى النَّاسِ زَمَانٌ، لَا يُبَالِي الْمَرْءُ مَا أَخَذَ مِنْهُ، أَمِنَ الْحَلَالِ أَمْ مِنَ الْحَرَامِ
“A time will come upon people when a person will not care whether what he acquires is from lawful (halal) or unlawful (haram) sources.” [Sahih Bukhari/ Al-Buyu': 2059]
Key Insights:
In the present times, greed, desire, and avarice have become so deeply rooted within us that we have become prone to excess and negligence in our dealings with others. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) foretold such circumstances through the above-mentioned hadith. Indeed, a majority in our society has disregarded the distinction between lawful (halal) and unlawful (haram) regarding their livelihood. People are preoccupied with a single aim: to accumulate wealth, by any means possible.The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) also made a statement regarding interest (riba), saying:
“A time will come upon people when they will indulge in interest without hesitation.” It was asked: “Will all people be involved in this?” He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied: “Those who do not directly consume interest will still be affected by its dust.” [Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 2, Pg. 494]
Reflecting upon this hadith, it becomes evident that interest has permeated society worldwide to such an extent that every individual is indirectly impacted by it. In such circumstances, even if a Muslim genuinely wishes to avoid riba with sincerity, they encounter challenges at every step. Usurers are widespread, and they have laid out traps to ensnare people, cleverly disguised. While it may not be entirely impossible to avoid them, it certainly is challenging. However, the guidance from Allah Almighty is:
“O people! Eat of what is lawful and pure on the earth.” [Al-Baqarah: 168]
This command emphasizes the importance of seeking only what is pure and lawful as sustenance. It serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant about the sources of their livelihood, even when the environment around them is rife with temptations and challenges.