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Monday 22 April 2024

What is Riba in Islam? Legal Basis, Types and How to Avoid Them

What is Riba in Islam


Riba is a concept that has great significance in Islam and Sharia economics. This is an aspect that must be understood well by Muslims, because it has major implications in economic and financial life.


Therefore, here we will discuss comprehensively what riba is, its legal basis in Islam, the types of riba, how to avoid it, and its impact on the lives of individuals and society.


Definition of Riba

According to the provisions contained in the Financial Services Authority Regulation Number 31/POJK.05/2014, riba is an action that ensures an illegal increase in income (batil).


This happens, for example, in exchange transactions for similar goods that do not have the same quality, quantity and delivery time (fadhl), or in lending and borrowing transactions that require the customer receiving the facility to return the funds received in excess of the principal amount of the loan due to the passage of time. (fate).


Legal Basis of Riba

The position of riba in life has been stipulated in Islamic religious law, as well as the consensus of the ulama. We must study these two laws carefully so as not to misunderstand how riba can affect our financial lives.


1. Riba Law in Islam

In Islam, riba is stated as something that is strictly prohibited. The Quran, the holy book of Muslims, clearly prohibits the practice of riba.


2. The Law of Riba in the Ijma' Ulama

Apart from the riba law contained in the Quran, Islamic scholars have also reached ijma' or agreement regarding the prohibition of riba through the fatwa of the National Sharia Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council (DSN MUI) No. 21/DSN-MUI/IV/2001.


This fatwa contains an agreement to strengthen the law of riba as haram in Islam, and guidelines for Muslims that in every Sharia activity, whether insurance or contracts, must not contain elements of riba, gharar (fraud), maysir (gambling), zhulm ( persecution), risywah (bribery), haram goods and immorality.


Types of Riba

Riba has two main types that you should pay attention to, including:


1. Riba Al-Fadl

Riba al-fadl is a form of riba that occurs when there is an exchange of money for money or consumer goods for consumer goods with additions. This means that riba al-fadl is a type of riba that occurs in the exchange of the same commodity, but with differences in quality.


2. Riba Al-Nasi'ah

Meanwhile, riba al-nasi'ah is the practice of taking or giving additional goods or capital with postponed payment and final payment. Riba al-nasi'ah is very prone to occur in types of transactions involving goods whose equivalent is not yet clear.


An example of riba can be seen in the situation of exchanging 24 carat gold between two different parties. When the first party had handed over their gold, the second party stated that they would give them their gold within the next month. This situation is considered riba because the value of gold can change at any time.


How to Avoid Riba

Riba is an action that we must avoid as far as possible, so that every transaction, whether buying and selling or borrowing, can take place transparently, fairly, and be approved by Allah. The ways you can avoid riba are as follows:


1. Avoid Riba in Buying and Selling Transactions

To avoid riba in buying and selling transactions, it is important to ensure that all transactions are carried out in a clear and fair manner. Prices and payment terms must be clear, and there must be no elements of riba in any form. Transparency and integrity in buying and selling transactions are very important in Islam.


2. Avoid Riba in Loan Transactions

To avoid riba in loan transactions, each individual can look for halal alternatives when they need additional funds. Many sharia financial institutions offer loan solutions that are free from riba. Apart from that, maintaining personal financial discipline and avoiding unnecessary debt are also important steps.


The Impact of Riba on Life

Riba has a negative impact that we must avoid. This impact covers the scope of individuals and society as a whole.


1. The Impact of Riba on Individuals

Riba practices can have a significant negative impact on individuals. By paying additional interest, individuals can become trapped in a cycle of debt that is difficult to overcome. This can lead to financial stress, economic instability, and even poverty.


2. The Impact of Riba on Society

The impact of riba is not only felt by individuals, but also by society as a whole. The practice of riba can exacerbate economic inequality and cause wider economic instability. This can hinder economic growth and result in social injustice.


Conclusion

Understanding riba in Islam is important to live a better life in accordance with religious values. riba is prohibited in the Quran and recognized by Islamic scholars through ijma'.


To avoid riba, individuals must take wise actions in buying and selling and lending transactions. By obeying Islamic law regarding riba, we can ensure that every economic activity we carry out remains approved by Allah, and is kept away from immorality.

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