Muhaimin Darussalam :
The biggest issue related to riba arises in connection with zakat. Zakat is one of the most important instruments in Islam, and even beyond Islam, for helping the poor and needy. The poor are those who do not have sufficient income to cover the basic necessities of life. For example, someone who has retired may not have been considered poor before, as they still had a steady income. However, after retirement, if they only receive around $200++ per month, their situation may change.
That amount is often insufficient to cover living costs such as electricity bills, food, hospital treatment, and personal needs—especially if they have no children to help them. In such circumstances, they can be categorized as poor. Zakat functions as a social support mechanism to ease the burden of these groups. Zakat assistance can be channeled to cover basic needs or even to supplement the pension of the elderly so that they may live more comfortably and with dignity.
Meanwhile, in earlier times during the era of the prophets of Allah the Exalted, riba occurred among traders dealing in spices, silk, and similar goods.
The form of riba among traders in the era of the prophets was, for example, when spice merchants used unjust measures or weights, or other traders engaged in dishonest practices. Therefore, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the 25th prophet, emphasized and introduced to humanity as well as leaders of his time and the future the principles of muamalat—the rules and proper conduct in business dealings and transactions related to muamalat. For instance, a merchant must ensure honest and fair measurements, uphold trustworthiness in the marketplace, in work, and within themselves, and maintain cleanliness in appearance, character, and manners. The same applies to other dealings, not only trade.
2026-03-10 22:43:38