Welcome to Ahmadiyyat, The True Islam — Page 456
− bank and he must get interest on the deposits, then the income from interest should be used for the propagation of Islam. One should − not use income from interest on himself or his family as it is prohibited in Islam, i. e. , it is (Unlawful). Haram − ± − is prohibited because it tends to draw wealth into the Riba − hands of a small circle and to restrict the exercise of beneficence towards one's fellow beings. In the case of loans, which bear interest, the lender in effect takes advantage of, and makes a profit from, the need or distress of another. Islam urges the making of − loans, but says they should be beneficent loans, meaning, without interest. If the debtor finds himself in straitened circumstances when the time for payment of a loan arrives, he should be granted respite till he finds himself in easier circumstances, but " if you remit it as charity shall be the better for you, if only you knew. " (Holy Qur’an, 2:281) − Islam has forbidden usury and interest. The main reason − being that it gives way to perversion, which gradually eliminates the sense of human kindness and brotherhood. Lending on interest results in wealth accumulating with a few people and the rest of the society is totally dependent on their mercy in matters of economics. Although a few amass great wealth due to this system, on the other hand, thousands remain penniless and indigent. The Islamic view − point is that wealth should not amass among one group of people but should circulate among as many people as possible. Those who have the capacity and ability to increase the wealth may do so, and it can be divided all over again. The Holy Qur’an predicts that − interest and usury can lead to wars. An observation of history shows that if usury were not in custom, certain wars in history would not have prolonged as they did. In the current age, endless arrangements are being made for a fierce war. Its causes lie mostly in interest and usury as well. If this custom did not prevail, various nations could only prepare for warfare on a very small scale. This would not put so much financial burden on them and there would not be such a danger of destruction. Islam considers taking and giving of loan, without interest, − admissible. Islam directs to put all such dealings in writing − 456