Question
Kindly explain the following hadith which clearly prohibits paying of Riba as well;
From Jabir: The Prophet, may peace be on him, cursed the receiver and the payer of riba, the one who records it and the two witnesses to the transaction and said: “They are all alike [in guilt].” (Muslim, Kitab al-Musaqat, Bab la’ni akili al-riba wa mu’kilihi; also in Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmad).
Answer
Majority of the islamic scholars have translated the word’Mookilur riba’ as the ‘giver’ of riba in this hadith but we agree with the scholars who consider ‘Mookilur riba’ as the person who enables riba to be consumed by the borrower.This ‘Mookil’ is part of the team of the ‘main person’ who arranges lending of riba and acts like an agent on his behalf.This interpretation of hadith makes absolute sense when seen under the light of Quran.Quran has not,on a single occassion,condemned giver of riba. Infact, Quran is showing sympathy towards giver of riba;Following verses will clarify our point;
“Believers,fear Allah and give up what remains of your demand for interest.If you dont do it then beware of war from from Allah and His Messenger.You shall have your capital if you repent.Neither will you be allowed to deal unjustly nor will you be dealt with unjustly”.And if the borrower is in difficulty grant him respite until it is easy for him to repay and if you write off(The debt),it is better for you,If you only knew(Baqarah 2 verses 278-280).”
As is evident from the above verses that Allah Almighty is standing by the side of the sufferer whose plight has caused Him to prohibit Riba.
Hope it helps.
UIUK team
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