frequently, O Allāh! I seek refuge from faults and debts. A man said to him, O Messenger of Allāh, it is very frequently that thou prayest against being in debt; and he replied, A man when he is in debt speaks and tells lies and makes promises and fails to fulfil them” (Bu. 43:10). According to another ḥadīth, “Anas said that he heard the Holy Prophet often praying, O Allāh! I seek Thy refuge from anxiety and grief, and from lack of strength and indolence, and from niggardliness and cowardice, and from being overcome by debt and the oppression of men” (Bu. 56:74). It is also related that when a bier was brought to him, he would enquire if the dead man was in debt, and if so, he would tell his Companions to say funeral prayers over him; and if he was told that he had left something to pay his debts, he would personally lead his funeral prayers (Bu. 69:15).
It would be seen from what has been stated above that helping those in distress forms the basic outlook of Islām on society. The prohibition of usury rests on the same basis. Even the earlier revelation at Makkah denounced usury, yet without prohibiting it: “And whatever you lay out at usury, so that it may increase in the property of men, it shall not increase with Allāh; and whatever you give in charity desiring Allāh’s pleasure, it is these that shall get manifold” (30:39). Prohibition came later, and is contained in the following verses which are among the latest revelations: “Those who swallow usury (ribā) cannot arise except as he arises whom the devil prostrates by his touch. That is because they say, Trading is only like usury; and Allāh has allowed trading and forbidden usury” (2:275). “Allāh will blot out usury and He causes charity to prosper. And Allāh loves not any ungrateful sinner” (2:276). “O you who believe, keep your duty to Allāh and relinquish what remains (due) from usury, if you are believers. But if you do (it) not, then be apprised of war from Allāh and His Messenger; and if you repent, then you shall have your capital. Wrong not, and you shall not be wronged” (2:278, 279). To these may be added an earlier revelation: “O you who believe, devour not usury, doubling and redoubling, and keep your duty to Allāh that you may be successful” (3:130).