What is the ruling on currency exchange, and is it one of the gates of riba?

The Shaykh : Currency exchange is not prescribed except in cases of dire necessity.

The questioner : I mean, is it... is it a gate of the gates of riba? This means, is this correct, or what is the evidence from the Book or the Sunnah?

The Shaykh : Yes, this is the correct position.

The questioner : That currency exchange is a gate of the gates of riba?

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : And is the prohibition of currency exchange like the prohibition of riba, meaning the riba found in banks?

The Shaykh : Riba is riba; it may be strong or it may be weak.

The questioner : Yes, but is the strength of the riba in currency exchange like the strength of the riba in...?

The Shaykh : My brother, what do you have to do with the details? This requires a session and a lecture. Now, A, B, C, because people today, at this moment, are eager to find an opportunity to ask a question. So when one of you directs question after question after question, and the others are waiting, it would be an injustice to them!

The questioner : Okay, Shaykh, I would like, I mean, the evidence from the Book or the Sunnah?

The Shaykh : There is no, there is no evidence right now.

The questioner : No evidence!

The Shaykh : There is no evidence right now.

The questioner : Okay, our Shaykh, may Allah reward you a thousand times over.

The Shaykh : And may Allah protect you, if Allah wills.

The questioner: Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.