Infaq; Effective Means to Eradicate Usury
The Holy Quran emphasizes the tight correlation between Infaq (almsgiving) and the eradication of usury, hence the reason why Islam bans usury but obligates certain taxes (Zakat and Khums).
This is according to Badro-Din Yazdani, rector of the Faculty of Management and Accounting in Sistan and Baluchestan University, who, talking to IQNA, elaborated on the requirements of social and economic security in society including ‘justice’ that has been much emphasized in Islam.
“The idea can be seen in Verse 135 of Surah Nisa which says ‘Thou believers, be maintainers of justice and witnesses for God, even though it is against yourselves, your parents, or your kinsmen; whether he is rich or poor, God has more rights over both of them. So do not follow desires so as to avert justice. If you twist or turn, God is aware of what you do’.”
Yazdani went on to say that maintaining psychological security in an Islamic society is another equally important issue that has been highlighted in Ahl-ul-Bayt’s (AS) Hadiths.
“Imam Sajjad (AS) prays that God protect him against people’s jealousy, enmity and bad intentions.
“Saying the prayers can be another significant factor in establishing security in society which, according to the Islamic teachings, should be accompanied by observing others’ rights.”
He added that Muslims are also strongly urged to keep their promises, as breaking one’s promises will be a violation of others’ rights and disturb social security. ‘And keep your promise. Surely, the promise will be questioned’ (17/34).
Referring to the paying of Islamic taxes as another requirement for maintaining security, Yazdani added: “This can also play a crucial role in eradicating money laundering and usury and the correlation has been much emphasized in the Holy Book.
“According to the Holy Quran, true believers are those who feel responsible for other Muslims and care about their fellowmen’s security: ‘The believers, both men and women, are friends to each other. They persuade to virtues and dissuade from vices; they perform their prayers and practice almsgiving and obey God and his messenger. On these God will have mercy. He is the Almighty, the Wisest’ (9/71).”
Yazdani also referred to Verse 25 of Surah Hadid as saying “We have sent our messengers with proofs, and sent them with the book and the scales, so that people might establish the scale (of justice)”, adding that justice is an important Islamic principle which necessitates providing all individuals with the most basic requirements of life at an equal level.
“However this does not prevent people from working harder so that they can live a better life.”
Yazdani further referred to violating others’ rights, money laundering, causing disorder, showing unreasonable favoritism toward a particular person or group, as well as spreading hypocrisy and dishonesty as factors that hinder the establishment of social security in an Islamic society.
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“The idea can be seen in Verse 135 of Surah Nisa which says ‘Thou believers, be maintainers of justice and witnesses for God, even though it is against yourselves, your parents, or your kinsmen; whether he is rich or poor, God has more rights over both of them. So do not follow desires so as to avert justice. If you twist or turn, God is aware of what you do’.”
Yazdani went on to say that maintaining psychological security in an Islamic society is another equally important issue that has been highlighted in Ahl-ul-Bayt’s (AS) Hadiths.
“Imam Sajjad (AS) prays that God protect him against people’s jealousy, enmity and bad intentions.
“Saying the prayers can be another significant factor in establishing security in society which, according to the Islamic teachings, should be accompanied by observing others’ rights.”
He added that Muslims are also strongly urged to keep their promises, as breaking one’s promises will be a violation of others’ rights and disturb social security. ‘And keep your promise. Surely, the promise will be questioned’ (17/34).
Referring to the paying of Islamic taxes as another requirement for maintaining security, Yazdani added: “This can also play a crucial role in eradicating money laundering and usury and the correlation has been much emphasized in the Holy Book.
“According to the Holy Quran, true believers are those who feel responsible for other Muslims and care about their fellowmen’s security: ‘The believers, both men and women, are friends to each other. They persuade to virtues and dissuade from vices; they perform their prayers and practice almsgiving and obey God and his messenger. On these God will have mercy. He is the Almighty, the Wisest’ (9/71).”
Yazdani also referred to Verse 25 of Surah Hadid as saying “We have sent our messengers with proofs, and sent them with the book and the scales, so that people might establish the scale (of justice)”, adding that justice is an important Islamic principle which necessitates providing all individuals with the most basic requirements of life at an equal level.
“However this does not prevent people from working harder so that they can live a better life.”
Yazdani further referred to violating others’ rights, money laundering, causing disorder, showing unreasonable favoritism toward a particular person or group, as well as spreading hypocrisy and dishonesty as factors that hinder the establishment of social security in an Islamic society.
1016284
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