Usury, the practice of charging excessively high interest rates on loans, has been a topic of moral and ethical debate throughout history. In various religious and philosophical texts, including the Quran, there are warnings and admonitions against the practice. One famous quote about usury comes from the Quran, specifically Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 275: “Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil one by his touch Hath driven to madness.” This verse highlights the severe consequences associated with engaging in usury, suggesting that those who participate in it will suffer a fate akin to madness inflicted by the Evil one.
The verse continues to explain the reasoning behind this stance on usury: “That is because they say: ‘Trade is like usury,’ but Allah hath permitted trade and forbidden usury.” Here, the distinction between legitimate trade and usury is made clear. While trade is seen as a lawful and beneficial activity, usury is condemned as exploitative and harmful. The verse emphasizes that despite some claiming that trade and usury are similar, there is a fundamental difference recognized by Allah.
Reflecting on this quote, it serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding financial transactions. It underscores the importance of conducting business in a just and fair manner, avoiding practices that harm others through excessive interest rates. Usury, in this context, is not just a financial issue but a moral one, urging individuals and societies to prioritize ethical conduct in economic affairs.
(Response: The famous quote about usury from the Quran, “Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil one by his touch Hath driven to madness,” warns of the severe consequences associated with engaging in usury, emphasizing the distinction between lawful trade and exploitative lending practices.)