The gravity of Riba (interest)

Hazrat Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Riba (interest) is of 73 degrees, the least degree is that of a person having intimate relationship with his mother." (Al-Mustadrak)

Note:

One must take a lot of precaution regarding one's transactions. Nowadays, interest has reached almost everywhere. One must avoid it according to one's capacity. It is not only Haraam and a way to declare war against Allah Ta'ala but it is also the greatest lowliness that can exist as mentioned by the Hadith. According to a Hadith reported by Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbaas (Radiyallahu Anhu) which is found in Al-Mustadrak, the locality where adultery and Riba (interest) are gaining momentum, then its inhabitants are exposing themselves to the punishment of Allah Ta'ala.

That is why, not only should one avoid Riba (interest), but one must also keep one's distance from the suspicion of Riba also. It is better to have a little Halaal with the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala than to acquire a lot through Haraam under the wrath of Allah Ta'ala.

[English version of "Gravité riba (l’intérêt)" – Al Jamiat – Vol.5 No.14]