Islam_in_Focus_text

of merchandise from the dealers, exploiting the needs of cus-
tomers, monopoly of stocks to force one's own prices are all
sinful acts and punishable by the Islamic Law. If one is to
make a decent living, it has to be made through honest ways
and hard endeavor. Otherwise, easy come, easy go, and it is
not only that, but anybody that is bred with unlawful provi-
sions will be, according to the Prophet, a burning fuel to the
Hell Fire on the Day of Jedgment. To combat cheating and
exploitation, Islam demands honesty in business, warns the
cheaters, encourages decent work and forbids usury or the
taking of interest just in return for lending money to the
needy. This is to show man that he rightfully owns only
what he works for, and that exp!oitation of other people's
pressing needs is irreligious, inhuman and immoral. In the
Qur'an God says:
"Those who devour usury will not rise up
except as rise up one whom the Devil, by
his touch, has driven to madness. That is
because they say: 'trade is like usury'. But
God has permitted trade and forbidden
usury, Those who, after receiving admoni-
tion from their Lord, desist, shall be par-
doned for the past; their case is for God (to
judge). But those who repeat (the offence)
are companions of the Fire; they will abide
therein (for ever). God will deprive usury
—CSz)
—