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the theory of limits 2096.Curvature movement between a positive upper limit and a negative lower limitThe sixth type represents the curvature movement between a positiveupper limit and a negative lower limit. We often see this with financialtransactions: if interest is levied the lower limit is reached; if,however, alms tax (zak§h) is paid the curvature moves towards theupper limit. In between, there is a level of payment that can bedefined as point zero. An example of this neutral stage (neither positivenor negative) is an interest-free loan. Hence, fiscal transactionsin a given society move, by responding to the economic and socialneeds, between the two extremes of a) payments of taxes and charitymoney to b) giving loans with interest, while a middle position isreached if c) interest-free loans are provided.If we take the root meaning of r-b-w, the Arabic term for ‘interest’,we notice that it means ‘growth or increase’, an expansion of wealthby ‘adding up’ or ‘piling up’. In words such as rabiyya or rubwa (‘hill’),derived from the same root, we discover similar semantic connotations.Let us look at verses that mention the term al-rib§:Those who devour usury [ al-rib§] will not stand except as stand onewhom the evil one by his touch has driven to madness. That is becausethey say: “Trade is like usury [ al-rib§],” but God has permitted tradeand forbidden usury [ al-rib§]. Those who, after receiving direction fromtheir Lord, desist shall be pardoned for the past. Their case is for God(to judge), but those who repeat (the offence) are companions of theFire: they will abide therein (for ever). ( Al-Baqara 2:275)God will deprive usury [ al-rib§] of all blessing, but will give increasefor deeds of charity; for He loves not creatures ungrateful and wicked.( Al-Baqara 2:276)O you who believe! Fear God and give up what remains of yourdemand for usury [ al-rib§], if you are indeed believers. ( Al-Baqara2:278)If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him torepay. But if you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if youonly knew. ( Al-Baqara 2:280)O you who believe! Devour not usury [ al-rib§], doubled and multiplied;but fear God that you may (really) prosper. ($l #Imr§n 3:130)That which you lay out for increase [ al-rib§] through the property of(other) people, will have no increase with God. But that which you layout for charity, seeking the countenance of God, (will increase): it isthese who will get a recompense multiplied. ( Al-Råm 30:39)O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves invanities. But let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual