يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَذَرُوا۟ مَا بَقِىَ مِنَ ٱلرِّبَوٰٓا۟ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ 278
Translations
O you who have believed, fear Allāh and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu ittaqu Allaha wa dharoo ma baqiya mina al-riba in kuntum mu'minin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands believers to fear Allah and abandon all remaining interest (riba) if they truly have faith. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse represents a decisive prohibition on riba after earlier verses had warned against it, with the condition 'if you are believers' serving as both motivation and accountability—implying that abandoning riba is essential evidence of true faith. Al-Tabari notes that this ayah was revealed during the Medinan period when the Islamic economic system was being established, making the prohibition of riba a cornerstone of Islamic financial ethics.
Revelation Context
This verse is part of a passage (2:275-281) that comprehensively addresses the prohibition of riba (usury/interest). Revealed in Madinah, it follows earlier Meccan verses that introduced the concept of riba's prohibition, now reinforcing it with greater clarity and urgency as the Muslim community developed its economic structures. The phrase 'what remains' suggests there may have been outstanding riba transactions that believers needed to settle or abandon.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah, then to disobey parents, and then to deal in riba.' (Reported by Ahmad and authenticated by scholars). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet cursed 'the one who consumes riba, the one who gives it, the one who witnesses it, and the one who records it.'
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith (iman) is demonstrated through concrete actions, particularly in financial dealings—believers must align their economic practices with Islamic principles out of sincere consciousness of Allah. This ayah teaches that religious commitment extends beyond ritual worship into all aspects of life, including business and finance, and that resisting societal norms around interest requires genuine conviction and courage.