The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

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The Quran 2: 276
will rise up on the Day of Resurrection like someone tormented by
Satan’s touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade and usury are the
same,’ 276 but God has allowed trade and forbidden usury. Whoever,
on receiving God’s warning, stops taking usury may keep his past
gains – God will be his judge – but whoever goes back to usury will
be an inhabitant of the Fire, there to remain. God blights usury, but
blesses charitable deeds with multiple increase: He does not love the
ungrateful sinner. 277 Those who believe, do good deeds, keep up the
prayer, and pay the prescribed alms will have their reward with their
Lord: no fear for them, nor will they grieve. 278 You who believe,
beware of God: give up any outstanding dues from usury, if you are
true believers. 279 If you do not, then be warned of war from God and
His Messenger. You shall have your capital if you repent, and without
suffering loss or causing others to suffer loss. 280 If the debtor is
in difficulty, then delay things until matters become easier for him;
still, if you were to write it off as an act of charity, that would be
better for you, if only you knew. 281 Beware of a Day when you will be
returned to God: every soul will be paid in full for what it has
earned, and no one will be wronged.
282 You who believe, when you contract a debt for a stated term,
put it down in writing: have a scribe write it down justly between
you. No scribe should refuse to write: let him write as God has
taught him, let the debtor dictate, and let him fear God, his Lord,
and not diminish [the debt] at all. If the debtor is feeble-minded,
weak, or unable to dictate, then let his guardian dictate justly. Call in
two men as witnesses. If two men are not there, then call one man
and two women out of those you approve as witnesses, so that if one
of the two women should forget a the other can remind her. Let the
witnesses not refuse when they are summoned. Do not disdain to
write the debt down, be it small or large, along with the time it falls
due: this way is more equitable in God’s eyes, more reliable as testimony,
and more likely to prevent doubts arising between you. But if
the merchandise is there and you hand it over, there is no blame on
you if you do not write it down. Have witnesses present whenever
you trade with one another, and let no harm be done to either scribe
or witness, for if you did cause them harm, it would be a crime on
your part. Be mindful of God, and He will teach you: He has full
a A classical meaning of d˙ alla.