RIBA
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I agree that all forms of interest is haram, but I don't follow hadiths nor do I agree on the the point that a person who is charged interest is liable.
A person who runs a bank and charges interest on loans is guilty of riba. A person who borrows it however I believe is not and rather is the victim of riba. Sure one can try to say it takes two to cause riba to happen, but the Quran did not not mention anything of that in terms of riba. Therefore I don't see a problem is regards to getting charged interest as long as you aren't the one charging others the interest.
I agree. The one who is borrowing the money is a victim of riba and not guilty of riba itself. In essence, many of us are victims of riba already by default (tax).
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Peace
I agree that all forms of interest is haram, but I don't follow hadiths nor do I agree on the the point that a person who is charged interest is liable.
A person who runs a bank and charges interest on loans is guilty of riba. A person who borrows it however I believe is not and rather is the victim of riba. Sure one can try to say it takes two to cause riba to happen, but the Quran did not not mention anything of that in terms of riba. Therefore I don't see a problem is regards to getting charged interest as long as you aren't the one charging others the interest.
That's like how some Muslims say that it is ok for them to sell pork to others so long they don't eat it.
Also, interest is not the problem. Riba is usury, meaning excess interest that the other party is not able to pay, a hardship.
Peace
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Peace
That's like how some Muslims say that it is ok for them to sell pork to others so long they don't eat it.
Also, interest is not the problem. Riba is usury, meaning excess interest that the other party is not able to pay, a hardship.
Peace
That is not at all the case and that is not a good comparison either. So what if one is on the end of getting charged riba? there is NO Quranic verse that backs up the claim of being guilty of being on that end. One can come up with certain things but its not there simple as that.
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I agree. The one who is borrowing the money is a victim of riba and not guilty of riba itself. In essence, many of us are victims of riba already by default (tax).
Exactly the case and considering the Quran is suppose to be universal and easy, I wouldn't think God would make our lives hard to the point where it's impossible live outside the Middle East where riba doesn't exist.
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That is not at all the case and that is not a good comparison either. So what if one is on the end of getting charged riba? there is NO Quranic verse that backs up the claim of being guilty of being on that end. One can come up with certain things but its not there simple as that.
Peace
That's like how some Muslims say that it is ok for them to sell pork to others so long they don't eat it.
Also, interest is not the problem. Riba is usury, meaning excess interest that the other party is not able to pay, a hardship.
Peace
Any form of interest is usury because you have to pay back more than you borrowed, which is a hardship. If you had to borrow 10,000 dollars for college to begin with, it is a great hardship to have to pay back 17,500 dollars or more.
And that really isn't a good comparison. A Muslim selling pork to a fellow Muslim is creating fitna, so it would be haraam. A Muslim that has no choice but to borrow money or pay rent and is charged interest is a victim and does not share guilt with the one charging interest. If that were the case majority of the world would be guilty.
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Peace
That is not at all the case and that is not a good comparison either. So what if one is on the end of getting charged riba? there is NO Quranic verse that backs up the claim of being guilty of being on that end. One can come up with certain things but its not there simple as that.
How is that not a good comparison. You are not allowed to eat pork. If you sell pork, you are helping another person do something that is Haram. You are not allowed to consume riba. If you pay someone the interest, it helps them do something that is Haram. We are supposed to be brothers/sisters of one another, not help them doom their person. Not only is it aiding them with your money but you are further encouraging them to continue the practice. Do you think they will stop their practice if you continue to fund them? You (the person that pays them) are just as guilty of their crime.
Any form of interest is usury because you have to pay back more than you borrowed, which is a hardship. If you had to borrow 10,000 dollars for college to begin with, it is a great hardship to have to pay back 17,500 dollars or more.
And that really isn't a good comparison. A Muslim selling pork to a fellow Muslim is creating fitna, so it would be haraam. A Muslim that has no choice but to borrow money or pay rent and is charged interest is a victim and does not share guilt with the one charging interest. If that were the case majority of the world would be guilty.
If you both read my previous comments, you would see that it falls in line with your statements. Abdul-Hadi provided the quote from the Qur'an that if you cannot avoid it, then God is the forgiver. We just discussed the car insurance a couple posts up.
Now, if you WANT to buy a house and you cant afford it and therefore resort to riba, then again thats a problem. No one NEEDS a house. Quite the opposite from the car insurance.
Peace
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Now, if you WANT to buy a house and you cant afford it and therefore resort to riba, then again thats a problem. No one NEEDS a house. Quite the opposite from the car insurance.
Peace
I see the point you are trying to make with this but applying this to a realistic scenario where we live in a system where we can't just walk out into the woods and start chopping dow trees and build a house, most have no choice but to take a mortgage in which they would be charged interest to have a place to live. I do not think Allah intends anyone to remain homeless due to the oppressors in charge forcing riba on the population. That is causing hardship which Islam does not do.
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Peace
I see the point you are trying to make with this but applying this to a realistic scenario where we live in a system where we can't just walk out into the woods and start chopping dow trees and build a house, most have no choice but to take a mortgage in which they would be charged interest to have a place to live. I do not think Allah intends anyone to remain homeless due to the oppressors in charge forcing riba on the population. That is causing hardship which Islam does not do.
As I just mentioned, if you read my first posts, I agree with your consensus so long it is required and there are no other means.
Peace
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Peace
How is that not a good comparison. You are not allowed to eat pork. If you sell pork, you are helping another person do something that is Haram. You are not allowed to consume riba. If you pay someone the interest, it helps them do something that is Haram. We are supposed to be brothers/sisters of one another, not help them doom their person. Not only is it aiding them with your money but you are further encouraging them to continue the practice. Do you think they will stop their practice if you continue to fund them? You (the person that pays them) are just as guilty of their crime.
If you both read my previous comments, you would see that it falls in line with your statements. Abdul-Hadi provided the quote from the Qur'an that if you cannot avoid it, then God is the forgiver. We just discussed the car insurance a couple posts up.
Now, if you WANT to buy a house and you cant afford it and therefore resort to riba, then again thats a problem. No one NEEDS a house. Quite the opposite from the car insurance.
Peace
So by your logic, a person who walks the dangerous streets at night and a thief is tempted to come and steal from them, that person who walked the night is ALSO guilty just because of how he led the thief to steal cause he was a walking figure with some money?
Yeah real logic there rotfl If they are charging Riba and you accept, that doesn't make a difference cause it is THEIR fault for charging it and if you didn't accept, they would go on to the next person such as a thief would go to the next available victim on the streets if you aren't walking them.
Pork is completely differently. The person who sells pork is like the person who sells riba. The person who buys pork is doing a haram because the Quran specifically says you can't eat it. The person borrowing a college loan (which has riba) isn't doing haram cause the Quran DOESN'T state that that you are doing haram. That is just like a hadith by trying to come up with reasons behind a book that is suppose to be clear. If it was an issue, God would have told us. You think God would want our lives to be that hard and thus make it IMPOSSIBLE to go to college? or let alone live in the west? That clearly isn't the case with such a merciful God.
I see the point you are trying to make with this but applying this to a realistic scenario where we live in a system where we can't just walk out into the woods and start chopping dow trees and build a house, most have no choice but to take a mortgage in which they would be charged interest to have a place to live. I do not think Allah intends anyone to remain homeless due to the oppressors in charge forcing riba on the population. That is causing hardship which Islam does not do.
And in regards to that, this is also a reason why we being on the side that riba is pulled from us by those money grubbers is why I don't see how we can be guilty.
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Peace,
So by your logic, a person who walks the dangerous streets at night and a thief is tempted to come and steal from them, that person who walked the night is ALSO guilty just because of how he led the thief to steal cause he was a walking figure with some money?
Yeah real logic there rotfl If they are charging Riba and you accept, that doesn't make a difference cause it is THEIR fault for charging it and if you didn't accept, they would go on to the next person such as a thief would go to the next available victim on the streets if you aren't walking them.
Now your comparison makes no sense. If you are walking at night, you aren't engaging the person to commit the theft. You are minding your own business and haven't engaged the other person. You want to be left alone. With usury, you willingly engage in the act. No one forced you to do it. If you really believe that you aren't guilty, then that is your belief. In the end, we will all be judged by God.
Pork is completely differently. The person who sells pork is like the person who sells riba. The person who buys pork is doing a haram because the Quran specifically says you can't eat it. The person borrowing a college loan (which has riba) isn't doing haram cause the Quran DOESN'T state that that you are doing haram. That is just like a hadith by trying to come up with reasons behind a book that is suppose to be clear. If it was an issue, God would have told us. You think God would want our lives to be that hard and thus make it IMPOSSIBLE to go to college? or let alone live in the west? That clearly isn't the case with such a merciful God.
And in regards to that, this is also a reason why we being on the side that riba is pulled from us by those money grubbers is why I don't see how we can be guilty.
Who said that you needed to go to college? For education? You can gain education without college. For a job? If you work hard and are determined, you can get a good job. Many times you do not even need to pay for college. I'll take myself as a prime example. I did horrible in high school. No school would take me. Went to community college and was determined. I did volunteer service (still do) and that also enhanced my resume. When I went to university, much of my tuition was paid for. There are a lot of opportunities here in the US (not sure if you live here). I also worked while going to college, something that many students refuse to do because they rather have a good time.
Now my story is just a way to circumvent taking out interests. There are alternatives, but people are either too lazy or are just plain ignorant.
I don't believe college is bad, but I think that in today's world it is made out to be more than it really is. That's why, if it is for education, you can go to the library, use the internet, etc. and gain the knowledge. If you're doing it to make a lot of money, you can be a diligent worker and work your way up. I know many people that have started literally from the bottom (janitors) and became managers making a great living.
Also if it is a money issue, then remember Allah. Money is not everything. So long you live with a roof over your head, with food for your mouths, that is sufficient. The more money you have, the more responsibilities you have as well. For many people, money should be the last thing that they want. They complain that its hard to get by but when their money increases, so too does their wasteful spending.
As I mentioned, I am not an opponent of higher learning but people really need to think it through before drawing out their future plans. If interest needs to be taken out, then I think you should do as much as possible to eliminate the need, such as working, getting good grades, volunteering, etc. If all else fails and you need loans, then God is forgiver. However, if you just resort to taking out loans without exhausting all other options then theres a problem. I have some friends that are like that and its despicable. The problem is that people take loans after loans out and use it as a crutch.
Peace
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Peace,
Now your comparison makes no sense. If you are walking at night, you aren't engaging the person to commit the theft. You are minding your own business and haven't engaged the other person. You want to be left alone. With usury, you willingly engage in the act. No one forced you to do it. If you really believe that you aren't guilty, then that is your belief. In the end, we will all be judged by God.
Who said that you needed to go to college? For education? You can gain education without college. For a job? If you work hard and are determined, you can get a good job. Many times you do not even need to pay for college. I'll take myself as a prime example. I did horrible in high school. No school would take me. Went to community college and was determined. I did volunteer service (still do) and that also enhanced my resume. When I went to university, much of my tuition was paid for. There are a lot of opportunities here in the US (not sure if you live here). I also worked while going to college, something that many students refuse to do because they rather have a good time.
Now my story is just a way to circumvent taking out interests. There are alternatives, but people are either too lazy or are just plain ignorant.
I don't believe college is bad, but I think that in today's world it is made out to be more than it really is. That's why, if it is for education, you can go to the library, use the internet, etc. and gain the knowledge. If you're doing it to make a lot of money, you can be a diligent worker and work your way up. I know many people that have started literally from the bottom (janitors) and became managers making a great living.
Also if it is a money issue, then remember Allah. Money is not everything. So long you live with a roof over your head, with food for your mouths, that is sufficient. The more money you have, the more responsibilities you have as well. For many people, money should be the last thing that they want. They complain that its hard to get by but when their money increases, so too does their wasteful spending.
As I mentioned, I am not an opponent of higher learning but people really need to think it through before drawing out their future plans. If interest needs to be taken out, then I think you should do as much as possible to eliminate the need, such as working, getting good grades, volunteering, etc. If all else fails and you need loans, then God is forgiver. However, if you just resort to taking out loans without exhausting all other options then theres a problem. I have some friends that are like that and its despicable. The problem is that people take loans after loans out and use it as a crutch.
Peace
As a quranist realize that the book which we always quote about how it contains everything and is complete would tell us of such a case if it indeed was a sin. It doesn't so and all examples are always directed at those who charge it. But it is your belief in the end and clearly neither of us can convince each other in the end, so it's your belief and therefore i'm done here.
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Peace,
There is no hard feelings at all. We do not know everything and the whole point of the forums is for us to grow and learn from each other. I could be wrong on the issue but I am only using common sense and the summation of the entire message of the Qur'an, not a nitpick for verses. I've been proven wrong many times and when it happens I change my course and try for the better. Hopefully others will do the same when they see the error in their ways instead of being arrogant. Whether you or I am right, we will all answer to God for our actions. Our selfishness will not save us in the least.
Peace
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Peace,
There is no hard feelings at all. We do not know everything and the whole point of the forums is for us to grow and learn from each other. I could be wrong on the issue but I am only using common sense and the summation of the entire message of the Qur'an, not a nitpick for verses. I've been proven wrong many times and when it happens I change my course and try for the better. Hopefully others will do the same when they see the error in their ways instead of being arrogant. Whether you or I am right, we will all answer to God for our actions. Our selfishness will not save us in the least.
Peace
I hear you, though when you say selfishness you aren't referring to me are you? because realize that I clearly wouldn't want them to charge riba but being in the west that is what any type of loan is based on. Credit Card, insurance, student loan and more, therefore I feel that if they wanna be selfish enough to charge, it is their own fault. I just want a loan that I can pay back later when I have enough to do so. Plus they are doing riba no matter what, so even if not with me, it would be with someone else. Sure if it was your friend who wanted to charge you Riba and therefore if you rejected it would be best as you and prevented him from doing haram and I would assume would be a reward for you, but even then I wouldn't think it be a sin as the God wouldn't judge you for something that isn't mentioned.
Anyways that is my view and I respect yours too. You're belief and my belief. NOW i'm out...
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Peace
I hear you, though when you say selfishness you aren't referring to me are you? because realize that I clearly wouldn't want them to charge riba but being in the west that is what any type of loan is based on. Credit Card, insurance, student loan and more, therefore I feel that if they wanna be selfish enough to charge, it is their own fault. I just want a loan that I can pay back later when I have enough to do so. Plus they are doing riba no matter what, so even if not with me, it would be with someone else. Sure if it was your friend who wanted to charge you Riba and therefore if you rejected it would be best as you and prevented him from doing haram and I would assume would be a reward for you, but even then I wouldn't think it be a sin as the God wouldn't judge you for something that isn't mentioned.
Anyways that is my view and I respect yours too. You're belief and my belief. NOW i'm out...
I am not referring to you, but to all of us (me too). Sometimes our selfishness (ego, etc.) can get in the way of our thinking and judgement. Just saying to all (myself as well) to keep an open mind to other peoples view points and that we can learn from each other. Looking at where a lot of us started, whether it be as Sunni, Shia, etc. we at one point held our beliefs at the time to be true. Now, we here at the forum have progressed from that way of thinking and now have divergent view points. The problem on these forums is that people easily get into stupid squabbles and start name calling each other or form a schism just because they have different opinions on issues. It's a sad but true reality.
God judges us on our intentions and our piety. If we continue to go on a path and we have been corrected (and we know that we are wrong) but continue to go on it due to our arrogance, then we are truely with the losers. Again, not directed at you, but just something for all of us to keep in mind (me included). Take care!
Now back to contributing to this thread, when thinking of riba, think about the socioeconomical reasons as to why this is heavily frowned upon. The things that are mentioned in the Qur'an relate to the Prophet and the times that he lived in. Riba is not necessarily just related to interest, but any profit or gain that requires no labor. Why is riba wrong? It disrupts the society in that people make a profit without putting in the labor. In other words, it takes away the balance of labor and wealth. That's my humble observation.
Peace
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Peace
I am not referring to you, but to all of us (me too). Sometimes our selfishness (ego, etc.) can get in the way of our thinking and judgement. Just saying to all (myself as well) to keep an open mind to other peoples view points and that we can learn from each other. Looking at where a lot of us started, whether it be as Sunni, Shia, etc. we at one point held our beliefs at the time to be true. Now, we here at the forum have progressed from that way of thinking and now have divergent view points.
God judges us on our intentions and our piety.
Peace
That is true I try to do so. Of course i'm also of the belief that with God's mercy that he will judge us based on our beliefs. If we are submitters and believers but have some of the beliefs incorrect based on our interpretation of the text, I would think the mercy of God will judge us based on these beliefs and how rational they were and thus an excuse of ignorance might kick I would think. For example a Sunni who believes the hadith interprets follows that verse that says follow what Allah and his Messenger have said or something along those lines to mean follow the Quran and the hadith, while we take it to mean follow the Quran only that Allah has told the messenger to tell us. Thus I wouldn't think they would get punished and rather would be given the excuse of ignorance for misinterpreting it.
But yeah in the end we should keep an open mind
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Salaam,
Riba is a concept based in natural law, I did post an explanation on here, but few showed interest as its a departure from the comfortable view of excess interest. Riba is based in the understanding of receiving 100% of the fruits of your labours, people want to gain the benefits earned from the efforts of others, that is riba, interest is one example of that.
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Greetings and Peace, all group
I see insurance as no more a demonstration in lack of trust in ALLAH than I see in wearing seatbelts or sunscreen. In all cases, there is not complete security. If there is flood/nuclear catastrophe/war/riot/etc, the insurance won't cover home loss. When a home is insured at replacement value, it is hardly "winning the lottery" if the policy is collected. People die every day while wearing seatbelts, and sunscreen is not a guarantee against contracting skin cancer. Only with ALLAH is complete security.
There is an old joke about a man trapped by a flood who refuses rescue in three boats, and later a helicopter. His reasoning is that ALLAH will take care of him. So, the man drowns. The man asks ALLAH why didn't You take care of me? ALLAH replies, I sent you three boats and a helicopter.
The same applies to protective equipment and protective measures. Regarding protective measures such as insurance...who is it that promises poverty, again? hmm
2268 The devil promises you poverty and orders you to immorality, while GOD promises forgiveness from Him and grace. GOD is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.
There is nothing noble about unnecessary poverty/suffering/hardship.
3130 O you who believe, do not consume usury, compounding over and over; and reverence GOD that you may succeed.
It looks like compound interest is forbidden. Can anyone show that simple interest is disallowed? The meaning of usury is what is disputed. To some it means ANY interest. To others is means ONLY compound interest. To others it means ONLY interest beyond what can be afforded. Perhaps to other people it means even different things! We must each follow our understanding the best way possible.
429 O you who believe, do not consume your money between you unjustly, unless it is through a trade which is mutually agreed by you. And do not kill yourselves; God is Merciful towards you.
Please note the "unless" statement. In 2275 we are shown that trade is not usury...but in 429 we are shown that an unjust trade is okay if by mutual consent. It is trade if person A wants to buy a house costing $100,000 and person B agrees to sell it to them for $300,000...even if the $300,000 is paid out each month over 30 years. This is one reason why I don't believe that interest is automatically usury.
2275 Those who consume usury do not rise except as one being influenced by the touch of the devil. That is because they have said "Trade is the same as usury." While GOD has made trade lawful, and He has made usury unlawful. Whoever has received understanding from His Lord and ceases, then he will be forgiven for what was before this and his case will be with GOD. But whoever returns, then they are the people of the Fire, in it they will abide.
From a literal standpoint, it is the consuming of usury that is forbidden. On the other hand, is it not approaching evil to support something forbidden? If prostitution is illegal, is it then okay to purchase the services of a prostitute? hmm
Also, if the person getting a usurious loan doesn't pay as the contract dictates, they are not honoring their contract--and that is a definite no-no.
ALLAH knows best.
peace
~Abdul-Hadi
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From a literal standpoint, it is the consuming of usury that is forbidden. On the other hand, is it not approaching evil to support something forbidden? If prostitution is illegal, is it then okay to purchase the services of a prostitute? hmm
Also, if the person getting a usurious loan doesn't pay as the contract dictates, they are not honoring their contract--and that is a definite no-no.
ALLAH knows best.
peace
~Abdul-Hadi
I agree with you there on paying the loan, otherwise that is theft in my opinion. One who gets loan in the form of a credit card or whatever and doesn't pay it would then be a thief in my opinion. Though i'm not sure on how to feel the interest portion. If doesn't pay the portion that has interest, is it still considered theft as that is beyond what you borrowed? or because its a contract deal it would then be theft?
Anyways no one supports much of the evils in this world. We don't support governments and yet we have to vote for one of two parties even though they do evil.
Prostitution though has more laws then simply being "it is illegal". The usual laws include both ends with one being you can't approach the person to buy sex from them, and neither can offer sex for money. So both ends are usually covered I believe.
Regardless to each his own )
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Salam...
I have an 'unorthodox' understanding on Riba..
To me Riba is not about 'interest' and/or 'risk on future events'.
Riba is about unfairness of Terms and Conditions.
During late antiquities and medieval age, Loan with Interests are being used to put people into 'slavery'.
Usually the poor put either himself and/or his wife or children as 'collateral' for the loan.
Upon debt repayment failure, the creditor might seize himself or his wife or children as 'his own property', as thus put them into slavery for their entire life and also their future progeny as well.It is the loan terms and conditions upon the 'failure of loan payback' which should be judged whether it's a 'riba' or not.
That's why 'charity' is much better than 'riba'.Example
If the 'loan with interest' carries no collateral at all, as such when the debtor failed to repay his/her loan and declare bankruptcy.. the creditor cannot enforce any asset taking and need to write off / waived the (bad) debts.
I would say this is not a RIBA... yet a charity..
This scheme is actually an 'investment' scheme, where both parties carries the risk..In case of mortgage, it's the property which is being as collateral for the loan..
And then we need to do a deep dive on it's terms and conditions..Let say the mortgage last for 5 years. And the total sum to be repaid within 5 years is $100 (including profits to the creditor in whatever format or mechanism.. )
If the debtor paid his mortgage regularly until the end of year 4, yet declare his/her inability to repay the remaining 20 what would happened?If the creditor confiscate the property and return the $80 on paid mortgage, I would say that this is fair..
If the creditor grant a loan rescheduling where both parties agreed that this is acceptable.. It's even better.
If the creditor waived the remaining $20 and considered the loan to be fully repaid. it's much even better..If the creditor confiscate the property and also the debtor and his family as his own asset (read the debtor and his family became the debtor's property a.k.a slave for the rest of his life and his future generation).. this is bad....
Even when the creditor doesn't apply interest on the loan or subsidize the loan.. if the T&C is similar to the above then it's bad...Salam / Peace
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Peace.
Read 2261-281.
It talks (for the hundredth time) about the importance of helping the less fortunate; charity. And the different ways in which this can happen (1) positive and (2) negative.
(1) Only to please the god or (2) to be seen by others.
(1a) Openly or (1b) secretly. And what is best.Then it mentions another way to help the needy; loans. And the different ways in which this can happen (1) positive and (2) negative.
(1) interest-free with respite for any defaulters, even forgive the remaining debt (as charity). (2) to see loans as a trade and charge (high) interests.
(1) is encouraged, and (2) not only condemned but forbidden.So far my explanation.
Now you may draw up a list of all the possible bad implications of such a loan, and I will totally agree with you. And I can only deduce that that is the reason why providing such loans is forbidden. But nowhere do I read that the borrower who enters into such a loan is being condemned. But it still remains that it can be dangerous. Don't expect deferment nor charity; only additional costs when you default, or even recoveries and seizures. All the more reason to be careful.
Analogy
Big companies exploit the peoples of third world countries by "forcing" them to sell their land for a miserable price. A law is made that sets a minimum price per square feet. When a poor man sells his land under that price, for whatever reason (he wants to emigrate, a bigger house or simply buy food for his family etc.) will he then be convicted? NOT if you understand that that law was made to PROTECT their interests.Read 2261-281 and it will be clear that usury is forbidden to protect the poor from the sharks. And nowhere are the borrowers condemned, but the god condemns those who consume usury and he does not love the wicked sinners.
Abdelilah