or for some other purpose. He offers fewer coins in exchange for them, but of equal weight. The usurer, however, wants to give him those coins only in return for a greater weight. This diverts money from its intended purpose, and is undoubtedly among the things the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, prohibited, unlike the matters over which scholars disagree. This is not the place to discuss those in detail. And Allah knows best.

Shaykh al-Islām—may Allah have mercy on him—was asked:

“What about someone who gives short measure and weight?”

He replied:

Giving short measure and weight is among the deeds for which Allah destroyed the people of Shuʿayb. He has related their story to us in several places in the Quran so that we may take heed. Persisting in this is among the gravest major sins, and its perpetrator deserves severe punishment. Whatever wealth he has defrauded Muslims of over the years should be recovered from him and spent in the Muslims’ common interests if it cannot be returned to its owners.

A measurer or weigher who cheats others is liable for restitution, deprived of good, and guilty of sin. His is among the most ruinous bargains, for he has sold his Hereafter for someone else’s worldly gain. It is unlawful to appoint someone who cheats or shows favouritism to measure or weigh for people. Likewise, it is unlawful to have an appraiser who shows favouritism, measuring, weighing, or appraising for someone from whom he hopes to benefit, whose harm he fears, or who enjoys influence or the like, differently from the way he measures or weighs