According to Islamic teachings, riba (usury) is considered worse than zina (fornication).
Based on the hadith referenced from Sunan Ibn Majah, the Prophet Muhammad declared that riba carries a graver sin than committing zina with one's own mother. This signifies the severity of riba in Islam.
Understanding Riba and Zina
To comprehend why riba is considered worse, let's briefly define each term:
- Riba: This term encompasses various forms of usury or interest-based transactions that are prohibited in Islam. It typically involves lending money at an excessive rate of interest.
- Zina: This refers to unlawful sexual intercourse outside of a marital relationship, including fornication and adultery.
Why Riba is Deemed Worse
The hadith explains the gravity of riba, highlighting that:
- There are 70 sins associated with riba.
- The least severe of these sins is equivalent to committing zina with one's own mother.
- The most severe sin of riba is the dishonoring of a Muslim.
This perspective underscores that riba carries both a personal and a social dimension. While zina is a personal sin, riba carries broad, detrimental impacts on societies.
Comparison in a Table Format
| Feature | Riba (Usury) | Zina (Fornication/Adultery) |
|---|---|---|
| Severity | Considered worse than zina, including the incestuous form according to hadith. | A major sin but considered less severe than riba |
| Scope | Impacts individual wealth, community, and economic systems. | Primarily a personal sin, but its societal impact can be huge. |
| Nature | Financial exploitation, often involving unfair and unethical practices. | Immoral sexual act which violates Islamic ethics. |
| Hadeeth Mention | The Prophet mentioned it carries 70 sins, least of which being having intercourse with your mother. | Generally considered a major sin with severe consequences. |
| Impact | Economic injustice, poverty, and social instability | Social stigma, family breakdown, and spiritual harm. |
Practical Insights
- Riba's Systemic Harm: Riba affects not just the individuals involved in the transaction but also the broader community. It leads to an unjust distribution of wealth, encourages greed, and results in the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and communities.
- Social Responsibility: The concept of dishonoring a Muslim, as the worst form of riba, highlights the social responsibility aspects and the damage that usurious practices can inflict on the community and its fabric.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Islamic texts consider the act of riba to be a worse sin than zina, even when compared to the severe sin of zina with one’s own mother. The harm caused by riba extends beyond individual acts and impacts the community by promoting financial injustice and hardship.
