Part of Riyad as-Salihin — Gardens of the Righteous (series completed)
· Lesson 160 of 190
Riyadh Al-Salehin | Episode (170) | Chapter on strengthening the prohibition of usury
0:000:00
Transcript
Machine translation — may contain errors
0:00
Riyad al-Salihin from the words of the Master of the Messengers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
0:09
Chapter: The Prohibition of Torturing with Fire Any Living Creature, Including Ants and the Like.
0:19
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
0:24
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, sent us on an expedition.
0:29
He said, "If you find so-and-so and so-and-so"—naming two men from Quraysh—
0:37
"burn them with fire."
0:40
Then, when we were about to depart, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
0:46
"I had ordered you to burn so-and-so and so-and-so,
0:51
but none punishes with fire except Allah.
0:55
Therefore, if you find them, kill them [instead]."
0:59
Narrated by al-Bukhari.
1:01
From the benefits of the hadith:
1:06
The prohibition of torture by fire or burning in this world.
1:10
The permissibility of issuing a ruling based on ijtihad (independent reasoning) and then retracting it.
1:15
The desirability of mentioning the evidence when issuing a ruling to remove ambiguity.
1:21
The dislike of killing creatures like fleas or lice with fire.
1:26
Evidence for the abrogation of a Sunnah by another Sunnah.
1:29
The permissibility of appointing a deputy to carry out legal punishments (hudud).
1:34
The passage of time does not lift the punishment from those who deserve it.
1:39
The permissibility of abrogating a ruling before acting upon it.
1:43
Or before having the opportunity to act upon it.
1:46
Evidence that torture by fire is a prerogative of Allah alone.
1:51
He uses it to punish the disbelievers.
1:54
On the authority of Ibn Mas‘ud, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
1:59
We were with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, on a journey.
2:04
He went off to relieve himself.
2:06
We saw a bird (hummarah) with two chicks.
2:10
We took its two chicks.
2:12
The bird came and began to flutter.
2:17
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, arrived and said:
2:22
"Who has distressed this one by taking its offspring?
2:25
Return its offspring to it."
2:28
He also saw an ant hill that we had burned.
2:32
He asked, "Who burned this?"
2:36
We replied, "We did."
2:38
He said, "It is not fitting that anyone should punish with fire except the Lord of the fire."
2:45
Narrated by Abu Dawud.
2:47
His saying "ant hill" (qaryat naml):
2:49
It means the place of the ants along with the ants themselves.
2:53
The "hummarah":
2:56
A small bird like a sparrow.
3:00
"Fluttering" (ta‘rish):
3:01
Meaning it rises and shades with its wings those beneath it.
3:06
"Ant hill" (qaryat al-naml):
3:08
Meaning its dwelling and home.
3:12
From the benefits of the hadith:
3:14
Evidence for the necessity of seeking privacy from people when relieving oneself.
3:19
It contains an exhortation to compassion and mercy toward animals.
3:24
The impermissibility of distressing a mother by taking her offspring.
3:28
The sanctity of not burning, even regarding animals and insects.
3:33
Torture by fire is a prerogative of the Lord of the Worlds.
3:37
Thus, no one should dispute with Him regarding one of His attributes.
3:42
Chapter: The Prohibition of Delaying Payment by the Wealthy When the Creditor Demands His Due.
3:52
Allah the Almighty says:
3:54
﴾Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.﴿
4:00
And He says:
4:02
“If ye be on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a pledge in hand (shall suffice). And if one of you entrusteth to another let him who is trusted deliver up that which is entrusted to him (according to the pact between them) and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord. Hide not testimony. He who hideth it, verily his heart is sinful. Allah is Aware of what ye do.” (2:283)
4:08
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him:
4:13
That the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
4:18
"Delaying payment by the wealthy is an act of injustice.
4:20
And if one of you is referred to a solvent person, let him accept the referral."
4:25
Agreed upon.
4:27
The meaning of "referred" (utbi‘a) is to be transferred [to another debtor].
4:32
"Delay" (matl) is the postponement of what is due to be paid despite having the ability to do so.
4:38
"Solvent" (mali’) means wealthy and capable of fulfilling the obligation.
4:44
From the benefits of the hadith:
4:46
The exhortation to good conduct among people.
4:50
The prohibition of delaying debt payment.
4:52
When it is due and one is capable of paying it.
4:57
The insolvent person is not to be imprisoned nor pressured until he becomes wealthy.
5:01
Guidance to abandon causes that sever the unity of hearts.
5:06
Because it is a warning against procrastination.
5:09
Which leads to such [severing of hearts].
5:11
The command to accept a debt transfer (hawalah).
5:15
Chapter: The Dislike of a Person Retracting a Gift He Has Not Yet Delivered to the Recipient.
5:24
And regarding a gift given to one's child, whether delivered or not.
5:30
And the dislike of buying back something one gave in charity from the recipient.
5:35
Or something given as zakat, kaffarah (expiation), or the like.
5:40
However, there is no harm in buying it from another person to whom it has been transferred.
5:45
On the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both:
5:50
That the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
5:54
"The one who retracts his gift
5:57
is like a dog that returns to its vomit."
6:00
Agreed upon.
6:02
And in another narration:
6:04
"The likeness of the one who returns on his charity
6:07
is like a dog that vomits,
6:09
then returns to its vomit and eats it."
6:13
And in another narration:
6:16
"The one who returns on his gift
6:18
is like the one who returns to his vomit."
6:21
From the benefits of the hadith:
6:23
It is not lawful for anyone to retract a gift or charity.
6:29
The outward meaning of the hadith indicates prohibition.
6:32
There is severe emphasis in this comparison from several aspects.
6:36
First: Comparing the one who retracts to a dog.
6:40
Second: Comparing the object retracted to vomit.
6:44
This severity is more effective as a deterrent.
6:47
And more indicative of prohibition than the explicit word "prohibited."
6:51
Because this comparison points to a vile likeness.
6:55
And the believer should not have a vile likeness.
6:58
It is not fitting for a Muslim to be characterized by a blameworthy trait.
7:02
In which he resembles the lowest of animals in its lowest state.
7:07
That is why a narration states:
7:10
"We do not have a vile likeness."
7:12
A deterrent is stronger in indicating prohibition than a simple prohibition.
7:17
The gift that is prohibited to retract
7:20
is that which was given to someone other than one's child.
7:23
This is indicated by the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both:
7:28
From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that he said:
7:32
"It is not lawful for a man to give a gift or a donation
7:37
and then retract it, except for a father regarding what he gives his child."
7:43
On the authority of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
7:48
I donated a horse for the cause of Allah.
7:51
The person who had it neglected it.
7:54
I wanted to buy it [back].
7:57
And I thought he would sell it cheaply.
8:00
So I asked the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
8:04
He said, "Do not buy it,
8:07
and do not return on your charity,
8:09
even if he gives it to you for a dirham.
8:12
For the one who returns on his charity is like the one who returns to his vomit."
8:17
Agreed upon.
8:19
His saying "I donated a horse for the cause of Allah":
8:23
Meaning I gave it in charity to one of the mujahidin.
8:28
"Neglected it" (ada‘ahu) means he did not honor it with food.
8:33
And he fell short in its care.
8:35
From the benefits of the hadith:
8:39
His saying, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:
8:42
"Even if he gives it to you for a dirham,"
8:44
is evidence for the transfer of ownership of a gift.
8:47
And that the owner is free to dispose of it.
8:51
Selling a gift or charity back to the donor
8:55
or the giver of charity is prohibited.
8:57
The prohibition of retracting charity.
9:00
A statement on the virtue of providing mounts for the cause of Allah.
9:04
And assisting in military expeditions with everything possible.
9:07
Chapter: Emphasizing the Prohibition of the Orphan's Wealth.
9:14
Allah the Almighty says:
9:18
“Lo! Those who devour the wealth of orphans wrongfully, they do but swallow fire into their bellies, and they will be exposed to burning flame.” (4:10)
9:21
﴾Indeed, those who consume the wealth of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire.﴿
9:24
[Missing line in source]
9:26
﴾And they will be burned in a Blaze.﴿
9:29
And He says:
9:32
﴾And do not approach the orphan's wealth,
9:34
except in a way that is best.﴿
9:37
And He says:
9:39
﴾And they ask you about orphans.
9:42
“Upon the world and the Hereafter. And they question thee concerning orphans. Say: To improve their lot is best. And if ye mingle your affairs with theirs, then (they are) your brothers. Allah knoweth him who spoileth from him who improveth. Had Allah willed He could have overburdened you. Allah is Mighty, Wise.” (2:220)
9:45
﴾And if you mix your affairs with theirs, they are your brothers.﴿
9:48
“Upon the world and the Hereafter. And they question thee concerning orphans. Say: To improve their lot is best. And if ye mingle your affairs with theirs, then (they are) your brothers. Allah knoweth him who spoileth from him who improveth. Had Allah willed He could have overburdened you. Allah is Mighty, Wise.” (2:220)
9:52
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him:
9:57
From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who said:
10:01
"Avoid the seven destructive sins."
10:04
They asked, "O Messenger of Allah,
10:06
what are they?"
10:08
He said, "Associating partners with Allah (shirk),
10:11
sorcery,
10:12
killing a soul which Allah has forbidden,
10:15
except by right,
10:17
consuming usury (riba),
10:19
consuming the wealth of an orphan,
10:21
fleeing from the battlefield,
10:24
and slandering chaste, believing, unsuspecting women."
10:28
Agreed upon.
10:30
"Destructive sins" (mubiqat) are those that lead to ruin.
10:34
"Chaste women" (muhsanat):
10:37
Meaning free, virtuous women.
10:39
It is not restricted to married women.
10:42
Rather, the ruling applies to virgins as well.
10:45
"Unsuspecting" (ghafilat):
10:46
Meaning those who are heedless of immorality.
10:49
"Fleeing from the battlefield" (al-tawalli yawm al-zahf):
10:53
Meaning running away from the battle
10:55
when the Muslim army meets the army of the disbelievers.
11:01
From the benefits of the hadith:
11:03
Every sin for which there is a text in the Book,
11:06
or Sunnah, or consensus,
11:08
stating that it is a major sin,
11:09
or grave,
11:11
or informing of a severe punishment for it,
11:14
or attaching a legal penalty (hadd) to it,
11:16
or expressing strong condemnation of it,
11:18
is considered a major sin.
11:20
Major sins are more numerous than those mentioned here.
11:23
Whoever examines the Qur'an and Sunnah
11:25
will find them to be so.
11:27
The greatest of sins
11:30
is associating partners with Allah,
11:32
that you set up an equal to Allah,
11:34
while He created you.
11:36
Those mentioned in the hadith
11:38
are among the greatest sins and the most major of the major sins.
11:41
Guidance for the believers toward paths of goodness.
11:45
And distancing from indecencies and evils.
11:48
Sins vary in their degree of sinfulness before Allah.
11:52
The language of warning
11:55
and the command to avoid [these sins]
11:57
is stronger in indicating prohibition than a simple prohibition.
12:00
The spread of these destructive sins in societies
12:03
is among the causes of misguidance and deviation,
12:06
and moral decay and discord.
12:08
Chapter: The Severity of the Prohibition of Riba (Usury)
12:14
Allah the Exalted says:
12:17
Those who consume Riba cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity.
12:20
“Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth (to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.” (2:275)
12:23
“Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth (to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.” (2:275)
12:27
That is because they say, "Trade is just like Riba," but Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden Riba.
12:29
“Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth (to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.” (2:275)
12:32
“Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth (to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.” (2:275)
12:35
“Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth (to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.” (2:275)
12:39
“Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth (to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.” (2:275)
12:42
And his affair rests with Allah.
12:44
But whoever returns to [dealing in Riba or other sins after being warned]—those are the companions of the Fire;
12:46
they will abide therein eternally.
12:50
“Allah hath blighted usury and made almsgiving fruitful. Allah loveth not the impious and guilty.” (2:276)
12:54
Up to His saying, the Exalted:
12:57
O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of Riba, if you should be believers.
12:59
“O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah, and give up what remaineth (due to you) from usury, if ye are (in truth) believers.” (2:278)
13:05
As for the hadiths on this subject, they are numerous and well-known in the Sahih collections.
13:09
Among them is the hadith of Abu Hurayrah mentioned in the previous chapter.
13:14
On the authority of Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
13:19
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, cursed
13:22
the one who consumes Riba and the one who pays it.
13:25
Narrated by Muslim.
13:28
Al-Tirmidhi and others added:
13:30
"And his two witnesses and his scribe."
13:33
"The one who consumes Riba" means the one who takes it,
13:36
even if he does not literally eat it.
13:38
"The one who pays it" means the one who facilitates it,
13:42
even if he does not personally hand it over.
13:45
From the benefits of the hadith:
13:47
An explicit prohibition against writing the contract between those dealing in Riba.
13:52
The prohibition of bearing witness to a contract involving Riba.
13:57
The prohibition of assisting in falsehood, sin, and transgression.
14:01
The severity of the prohibition of Riba.
14:05
This is evidenced by the fact that the Prophet cursed the scribe and the two witnesses,
14:08
even though they do not personally receive any of the proceeds.
14:12
Therefore, cursing the one directly involved—whether the taker or the giver—
14:15
is even more severe and follows a fortiori.
14:19
Riyad al-Salihin