Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)
"Then when We send down water upon it, it stirs and swells."
[Surah Al-Hajj: 5]
Here, the term وَرَبَتْ (swells) means "it increased or grew."
✔ An unlawful increase in specific types of commodities where an excess in exchange has been prohibited by the Shari’ah.
✔ A delay in taking possession of an item when immediate possession is required before separation of the contracting parties.
Thus, Riba includes any unjustified excess or delay in trade transactions that violate the rules set by Islamic law.
Reference: Ibn Uthaymeen, Nur ‘Ala Al-Darb (Volume 1, Page 235)
Definition of Riba (Interest)
Linguistic Meaning of Riba
The literal meaning of Riba is "to increase or grow." This meaning is evident in the following verse of the Qur'an:"Then when We send down water upon it, it stirs and swells."
[Surah Al-Hajj: 5]
Here, the term وَرَبَتْ (swells) means "it increased or grew."
Shari'ah Definition of Riba
In Islamic jurisprudence, Riba refers to:✔ An unlawful increase in specific types of commodities where an excess in exchange has been prohibited by the Shari’ah.
✔ A delay in taking possession of an item when immediate possession is required before separation of the contracting parties.
Thus, Riba includes any unjustified excess or delay in trade transactions that violate the rules set by Islamic law.
Reference: Ibn Uthaymeen, Nur ‘Ala Al-Darb (Volume 1, Page 235)