THE HOLY LAND AND ISRAEL’S RIBA–BASED ECONOMY - JERUSALEM IN THE QUR’AN

JERUSALEM IN THE QUR’AN

By Imran N. Hosein

PART TWO

Chapter 2

THE HOLY LAND AND ISRAEL’S

RIBA–BASED ECONOMY

“In consequence of the wickedness and injustice of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain (foods), good and wholesome, which had been lawful for them. (We have also done so because) they obstructed so many from Allah’s way, and (because) they took usury (Riba) though they were forbidden to do so, and (in doing so) they wrongfully took the wealth of others. (Because of these evil deeds) We have prepared for those among them who reject Faith a terrible punishment.” 

(Qur’an, al-Nisa, 4:160-1)

 

Introduction

Israel is a modern secular State located in the Holy Land. Like all other secular states in the world today its economic system is based on Riba. Riba is usually translated as usury, i.e., the lending of money on interest regardless of the rate of interest. But the definition of Riba in Islam also includes transactions that are based on deception and which give to the deceiver a profit or gain to which he is not justly entitled. In American vocabulary such a transaction is described as a ‘rip-off’! 

If judgment were to be made according to the religion of Abraham (‘alaihi al-Salam), then we ask the following: What would be the religious legitimacy of an Israel which is located in the Holy Land and whose economy is based on Riba? Does it conform with or violate the divine conditions established for inheritance of the Holy Land?

 

Source: Jerusalem in the Qur'an by Imran N. Hosein

to be continued....