The Ruling on Riba in Times of Inflation and People’s Need for Money

Question:
The questioner says: As Your Eminence knows, trials and doubts have multiplied, especially regarding riba (usury or interest) and its related matters, and many people are engaged in it, particularly with this severe inflation, the scarcity of customers, and the intensity of people’s need for money due to their many requirements. What is the way to salvation?

Answer:
Riba is forbidden in every circumstance and is never permissible. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, has forbidden riba and threatened those who engage in it with the most severe warning. It is not permissible under any circumstances to consume anything from riba. The Muslim must seek lawful means and seek lawful sustenance, which is abundant, praise be to Allah, and is made easy. There are many avenues for earning. Allah has not restricted people except through the path of riba. Indeed, Allah, Mighty and Majestic, has permitted many earnings and types of sustenance. So he must seek sustenance other than through riba. It is not lawful for him to consume riba, even a little. It was reported in the hadith that one dirham of riba is more severe So the Muslim must avoid riba and not say, “Prices are high and this is a necessity.” No, Allah has not confined us to riba; rather, He has made many means of sustenance. We seek sustenance other than through riba and other than through banks. Yes.