The Ruling on Dealing with Disbelievers through Riba and Taking Their Wealth by Theft or Treachery

Question:
There are people in the lands of the West who say that it is permissible for a Muslim to deal with a disbeliever through riba (usury or interest), on the grounds that he is in a land of disbelief. There are also those who say it is permissible to take their wealth, even by theft or treachery. Please inform us, may Allah reward you, of the Shari'ah's position on these statements?

Answer:
It is not permissible to deal with disbelievers through riba (usury or interest), nor with Muslims. It is not permissible to take their wealth by treachery, except in a state of war. If they are in a state of war, their wealth and women are taken during war and jihad. However, if they are musta'min (non-Muslims granted safe conduct), along with their people, nothing should be taken from them, and they should not be betrayed, except in a state of war. If the disbelievers are distinguished from the Muslims and war is established between them, it is permissible to oppose them and take their wealth, women, and children. But in a situation like theirs now, it is not permissible for him to betray them or take their wealth without right.