escape the punishment of Allah that He has threatened for those who engage in riba (usury). One is not allowed to imitate whatever people are doing without clear knowledge—especially in our own times, when many show little concern about the legitimacy of their earnings. The Prophet ﷺ has informed us that, toward the end of time, riba will become widespread, and even those who do not consume it directly will be touched by its dust.

Among the modern forms of riba is the practice of “rolling over” a debt when the debtor is insolvent: once the payment falls due and he is unable to settle, the creditor increases the amount owed by a set sum or fixed percentage in return for additional time. This is precisely the usury of the Jāhiliyyah and is forbidden by unanimous agreement of the Muslims. Allah the Exalted says:

“O you who believe! Fear Allah and give up what remains of usury, if you are truly believers. But if you do not, then be informed of a war from Allah and His Messenger. Yet if you repent, you may have your principal; neither wrong others nor be wronged.” (Quran 2:278–279)

In this noble verse are several stern warnings against indulging in this type of riba:

First: Allah addresses His servants with the title of faith—“O you who believe!”—and then says, “if you are truly believers,” indicating that involvement in riba is unbefitting for a believer.

Second: He says, “Fear Allah,” showing that whoever practices riba neither fears nor reveres Allah as he should.