Questions on the Explanation of the Book of Nullifiers of Islam

Question:
What is the ruling on the one who says that riba (usury or interest) brings benefits to people, and that people benefit from riba, and that it has profits and benefits? Is this a departure from the Shari'ah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Answer:
Yes, the one who says that riba (usury or interest) is lawful because it has benefits in it is an apostate, because he is denying Allah the Mighty and Majestic. Allah the Exalted says: He said: And the fact that a thing has benefits is not sufficient for it to be lawful until the harms are also considered. The harms of riba are far greater than the alleged benefits in it, if the benefits are established. The harms in it are more than the benefits. And when the harm of a thing outweighs its benefit, or is equal to it, it is forbidden. As for the opposite, where the benefits are more than the harms, that is permissible. If the benefits are more than the harms, it is permissible. But what has more harms is forbidden, or if they are equal, it is forbidden according to the scholars. The harms of riba are more than its benefits. One might say that zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) also has benefits, because a person satisfies his desire and finds relief. But he says: its harms are more severe, such as the mixing of lineages, the corruption of honor, bringing diseases to society, and other harms. For this reason, He said: "an evil path." So when the harms are more, or equal, the thing is forbidden.