The Spiritual Destruction of Usury: What Does It Mean to Declare War on Allah and His Messenger?

INTRODUCTION

While usury is a financial practice frequently encountered in the modern world, it is regarded in Islamic belief as a factor that leads to profound spiritual destruction. For many Muslims, usury is not merely an economic issue but also a part of a spiritual war. To understand what it means to declare war on Allah and His Messenger, it is necessary to delve into the spiritual depths of this subject.

HISTORICAL/RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND

In the Holy Quran, usury is expressed with the term 'ribâ' and is prohibited by many verses. Allah the Exalted states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 275:

"Those who consume usury cannot stand on the Day of Resurrection except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, 'Trade is just like usury.' But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden usury."

This verse strikingly reveals the spiritual and moral dimensions of usury. Usury is not only an economic gain but also a calamity that inflicts deep wounds on the human soul.

DETAILED LISTS AND APPLICATIONS

• Supplication 1: "Allahümme inni eûzu bike mine'l-fâizi."
• Pronunciation: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from usury."
• Meaning: It expresses seeking refuge in Allah from usury.
• Application: This supplication can be recited after daily prayers to seek spiritual protection.

LESSONS FROM SCHOLARS

Imam Ghazali states that usury undermines social justice and diverts people from the moral path. His words indicate that usury is not only an individual calamity but also a societal destruction:

"Usury darkens the heart of man and destroys the integrity of society."

These words help us deeply understand the spiritual dimension and societal effects of usury.

CONCLUSION

In Islam, usury is not merely an economic issue but also a spiritual war. To protect our hearts from this destruction, we must seek refuge in Allah through prayer and worship. Our Lord, protect us from the darkness of usury and guide us on the right path. Every Muslim should fulfill their duty in this matter, walking towards the hereafter with a pure heart. O Allah, protect us from usury and its spiritual destruction.