❀ Definition of Riba (Interest) in Hadith and Explanation of Its ‘Illah (Causes) ❀
Source: Ahkam wa Masail, Issues of Buying & Selling, Vol. 1, p. 354
❖ Question:
What is the definition of riba (interest), and what is the status of items mentioned in hadith?
It is mentioned that in hadith, six items are highlighted: gold, silver, wheat, barley, dates, and salt. Their exchange is forbidden with increase or with deferment.
But other items like livestock and camels can be exchanged with difference in number or quality.
The query further mentions:
✿ One group holds that this ruling applies to items traded by weight and measure.
✿ Another group (e.g., Imam Malik رحمه الله) holds that this applies to food items which are stored, and in gold and silver the ‘illah is their being currency (thaman).
✿ Some scholars consider the ‘illah to be “price value.”
The disagreement over identifying the ‘illah of riba has caused differences in fiqh rulings.
Reference is also made to Muwatta Imam Malik, in which ‘Ali (RA) exchanged one camel for twenty younger camels after a period of time.
So, since the Prophet ﷺ and the Sahabah (RA) allowed difference in livestock exchange, it seems animals are outside the scope of riba. The questioner seeks clarification on this matter.
❖ Answer:
Alhamdulillah, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah, amma ba‘d!
✦ On the Definition of Riba
There is no single comprehensive definition of riba in the Qur’an and Sunnah, just as there is no detailed definition of zina. However, the prohibition of both is repeatedly stated in Qur’an and hadith.
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned six items explicitly (gold, silver, wheat, barley, dates, salt), whose exchange must be equal and immediate. Scholars differ about the exact ‘illah (cause) behind these rulings, but the Prophet ﷺ did not specify one single ‘illah.
✦ Principle of Extension to Other Items
If any of the causes found in those six items exist in other commodities, then those commodities too fall under the rulings of riba.
But:
✔ If an item outwardly appears to come under riba, yet there is a hadith explicitly permitting its exchange with difference, then that item is exempted.
✔ Whatever the Sunnah has explicitly permitted cannot be treated as riba.
✦ Application to Livestock
Livestock, camels, and animals — although exchanged with difference — are permissible because their permissibility is established by the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and the Sahabah (RA).
Hence, such exchanges are not included in riba.
Conclusion
- The six commodities mentioned in hadith are the basis for the rulings of riba.
- Where the same ‘illah is found in other commodities, the prohibition applies.
- If the Sunnah explicitly allows certain exchanges (like animals), then they are outside the scope of riba.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
