War Against Allah – The Dangers of Riba | Whispers Ep 2

Riba is an unjust increase in transactions and one of the major destructive sins in Islam. So before you sign that contract with riba (interest), stop and think…..is it really worth it? Do you seriously believe this interest transaction will benefit you?

Allah destroys interest and increases charity

The bank promises to increase your wealth and property through interest based loans; the same bank that is infamous for its deception and false promises. Whereas Allah is the One who owns the treasures of the heavens and the earth and He never breaks His promise. Allah explicitly promises in the Quran that He will destroy all money earned through interest, while He increases in multitudes the wealth spent in charity.

Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. (Quran 2:276)

Even though the usurer may appear rich from consuming riba, Allah will wipe off all blessings from his money and no good will remain in it. That same money will be a cause of punishment for the usurer in the hereafter. If you are looking to increase your wealth, Allah has provided many halal (permissible) ways to do so. Trust Allah with your wealth by spending it in charity and do not destroy your wealth by engaging in riba.

Security and comfort for your family

Maybe you are seeking security through this interest transaction; to secure the comfort and safety of your family. Would you still feel secure knowing that Allah and His Messenger declare war on those who deal with interest?

O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger. (Quran 2:278-9)

What armour could you possibly defend yourself with against Allah? Surely the only security you have is to give up the interest today and save yourself from this calamity. If you think riba will give you strength and security, then what strength will you have when you can not stand on the day of Judgement due to the consumption of riba.

Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. (Quran 2:275)

So ask yourself, is it really worth it?

Fear of poverty and hardship

Are you afraid to avoid interest because you fear poverty and hardship? Allah will never neglect you. Allah loves those who sacrifice for Him and never lets them down. In fact, not only will Allah look after you, but He will repay every sacrifice you make for Him with something better, as Allah says:

Whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. (Quran 65:2-3)

The destructive sin of riba (interest)

Don’t be fooled by the outer harmless appearance of the sin, for in fact, consuming riba (interest) is one of the seven major sins in Islam. Many Muslims gladly refrain from consuming alcohol and pork because it’s haram, yet they happily consume a lifetime of interest based wealth, which is far more poisonous and harmful than both of these. Never underestimate the gravity of this major sin. Riba is a destructive sin that leads to a severe punishment in the hereafter.

But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury] – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein. (Quran 2:275)

Riba destroys not only the individual, but also corrupts societies, oppresses the poor, involves hoarding and monopolising, and results in negative economic growth.

The consumer, the payer, and the recorder of riba are all cursed

Whether you are the one consuming the interest, the one who is paying the interest, or the one who is recording the interest, know that all of this is prohibited in Islam. Did you know that the Prophet ﷺ cursed all parties involved in a riba transaction?

Allah’s Messenger ﷺ cursed the accepter of interest and its payer, and one who records it, and the two witnesses, and he said: “They are all equal.” (Muslim)

Buying your dream house or car

Maybe you are attached to the luxuries you obtain through riba. The house you dream of or the car you wish to drive are too appealing to you. Whatever the desire is, there is no enjoyment or happiness greater than obtaining Allah’s pleasure. There is no possible comparison between a temporary moment of luxury, to the eternal and endless pleasure of Allah. One of the biggest reasons for having your supplications and prayers unanswered by Allah is because of the haram one consumes. Do not risk being ignored by Allah for a riba contract. Don’t be deluded by Shaitan and his false promises. Despite the temporary enjoyments it may bring, interest will only lead to a lifetime of misery. Give up what remains of interest in your life and return to Allah. If you are thinking of going ahead with it, turn around now. Allah will always accept you.