The short answer
The Qur’an forbids riba, usually translated as interest or usury, in strong terms, contrasting it with trade, which is permitted, and with charity, which is praised. The underlying concern is that money should not earn money by itself, at the expense of someone in need, without sharing in real risk. Debt relief for those in difficulty is commanded in the same passage.
A little more context
Observant Muslims therefore avoid interest-bearing savings and loans where they can, and a global industry of Islamic finance structures mortgages, investments, and banking around partnership, leasing, and sale rather than lending at interest. Where no alternative exists, scholars differ on what is permitted out of necessity, and individual Muslims make different choices.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 2:275-280 The prohibition of riba and the command to ease the debtor.
- Qur’an 3:130 Do not consume riba, multiplied.
- Qur’an 30:39 What you give in riba does not increase with God.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.