According to al-Shafi‘i, the categories of property subject to ribā are whatever serves as currency or is edible. Ribā is of two types: ribā al-faḍl, or excess in exchange, and ribā al-nasīʾa, or deferment-based ribā. If ribā-applicable property is sold for the same kind—for example, one of the two currencies for the same currency, or a foodstuff for the same foodstuff, such as wheat for wheat and the like—both types of ribā apply. Thus, the exchange is only permissible when the two amounts are equal according to the legal standard. If the item is weighed, such as dirhams and dinars, equality in weight is required; and if it is measured by volume, such as wheat and barley, when it is sold for the same kind, equality in measure is required. Possession by both parties must also take place during the session in which the contract is concluded.

If ribā-applicable property is sold for something of a different kind, the matter is considered as follows. If it is sold for something that does not share its ribā-related attribute—for example, if a foodstuff is sold for one of the two currencies—then no ribā applies, just as no ribā applies if it is sold for property not subject to ribā. But if it is sold for something that shares the relevant attribute, while being of a different kind—for example, dirhams for dinars, wheat for barley, or one foodstuff for another foodstuff of a different kind—then ribā al-faḍl does not apply. Accordingly, the exchange may be unequal in amount or made without measurement. Ribā al-nasīʾa does apply, however, so possession by both parties during the session is required.

The Prophet’s words, peace and blessings be upon him, “Do not sell gold for gold”—until he said—“except equal for equal,” establish the requirement of equivalence and the prohibition of excess when the kinds are the same. His words, “cash for cash,” establish the prohibition of deferment; and his words, “hand to hand, however you wish,” permit disparity when the kinds differ, while requiring possession by both parties during the session. This concerns ribā in sales.

Whoever lends something on the condition that something better be returned to him has made a loan that yields a benefit; and every loan that yields a benefit is ribā.

As for His saying, Exalted is He, “Whoever receives an admonition from his Lord”—that is, a reminder and a warning—“and then desists,” meaning, from consuming ribā, “then what has passed is his”: that is, his sin before the prohibition is forgiven. “And his affair rests with Allah” after the prohibition: if He wills, He protects him so that he remains steadfast in desisting; and if He wills, He forsakes him until he returns to it. It was also said that the meaning is: “What has passed is his, and his affair rests with Allah,” regarding what Allah commands and forbids, what He makes lawful for him and what He prohibits for him; he has no say whatsoever over his own affair. “But whoever returns,” after its prohibition, to consuming ribā while deeming it lawful—“such are the inhabitants of the Fire; they will remain therein forever.”

Abd al-Wahid ibn Ahmad al-Malihi informed us; Ahmad ibn Abdullah al-Nu‘aymi informed us; Muhammad ibn Yusuf informed us; Muhammad ibn Isma‘il informed us; Muhammad ibn al-Muthanna informed us: Ghundar narrated to me; Shu‘bah informed us, from Awn ibn Abi Juḥayfah, from his father, who said: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prohibited the price of blood, the price of a dog, and the earnings of a prostitute; and he cursed the consumer of ribā, the one who pays it, the woman who tattoos, the woman who has herself tattooed, and the maker of images. (2)

Isma‘il ibn Abd al-Qahir al-Jurjani informed us; Abd al-Ghafir ibn Muhammad al-Farisi informed us; Muhammad ibn Isa al-Juludi informed us; Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn Sufyan informed us; Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj informed us; Zuhayr ibn Harb informed us; Hushaym informed us; Abu al-Zubayr informed us, from Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the consumer of ribā, the one who pays it, and the one who records it