Quran, usury is referred to as riba, which literally means an excess, increase, or unjustified growth. The Quran strictly and severely forbids riba, classifying it as a major spiritual and social sin that creates economic injustice, exploits the needy, and widens the gap between the rich and the poor.
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:275–280): The primary and most detailed passage. It equates consuming riba to being driven to madness by Satan's touch, contrasts it with lawful trade (bay'), warns of a "war from Allah and His Messenger" for those who do not stop, and commands believers to take only the original principal amount while forgiving the rest. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Surah Ali 'Imran (3:130): Commands believers not to consume usury, "doubled and multiplied," urging fear of God for the sake of success. [1]
- Surah An-Nisa (4:161): Condemns the taking of riba when it had already been forbidden. [1]
- Surah Ar-Rum (30:39): Notes that money lent out through riba to increase through other people's wealth does not increase with God, whereas charity given seeking God's pleasure is multiplied.
