Qur'an Verse of the Day

2:276; 30:40.

The words Ad‘afan Muda‘afah are not used here as a qualifying phrase to restrict the meaning of Riba (interest) so as to confine it to a particular kind of interest. They are used as a descriptive clause to point to the inherent nature of Riba (interest) which continually goes on increasing. The charging of interest, although now legalized by Christian nations, was prohibited by Moses (Exod. 22:‌25; Lev. 25:‌36, 37; Deut. 23:‌19, 20). The verse does not mean that interest is permissible at a moderate rate, only a high rate having been disallowed. All interest is prohibited, whether moderate or excessive; and the words Ad‘afan Muda‘afah rendered as, involving multiple additions, have been added only to point to the practice actually in vogue in the time of the Holy Prophet. Thus the extreme limit has been mentioned merely to bring out its heinousness, otherwise, all interest is prohibited, as clearly stated in 2:276-281. Mention of the commandment about the prohibition of interest while dealing with the subject of war is significant. In 2:280 also prohibition of interest has been mentioned in connection with the subject of war. This shows that war and interest are closely related to each other—a fact amply borne out by the wars of modern times. As a matter of fact, interest is one of the causes of war, and also helps to prolong it.