Surah Al-Baqarah 2:275
سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ · Medinan · Verse 275 of 286
ٱلَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ ٱلَّذِى يَتَخَبَّطُهُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ مِنَ ٱلْمَسِّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ ۗ وَأَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ ۚ فَمَن جَآءَهُۥ مَوْعِظَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ فَٱنتَهَىٰ فَلَهُۥ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُۥٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ
Translation
But those who take usury will rise up on the Day of Resurrection like someone tormented by Satan’s touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade and usury are the same,’ but God has allowed trade and forbidden usury. Whoever, on receiving God’s warning, stops taking usury may keep his past gains- God will be his judge- but whoever goes back to usury will be an inhabitant of the Fire, there to remain.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This profound verse from Surah Al-Baqarah delivers a stark warning and a clear divine ruling regarding usury, using precise and vivid language to convey its gravity.
The Stumbling Walk
The verse opens with a striking depiction of those who engage in usury: "ٱلَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ ٱلَّذِى يَتَخَبَّطُهُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ مِنَ ٱلْمَسِّ" (Those who consume usury will not stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands whom Satan has afflicted with madness). The word "يَأْكُلُونَ" (they eat/consume) is a common Quranic expression for benefiting from or eagerly taking wealth, whether by eating, spending, or any other form of enjoyment, highlighting the primary way humans interact with resources.
The imagery of "لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ ٱلَّذِى يَتَخَبَّطُهُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ مِنَ ٱلْمَسِّ" (they will not stand except as one stands whom Satan has afflicted with madness) is incredibly powerful. *Takhabbut* literally means to strike haphazardly or without direction, and *mass* refers to a touch or affliction, commonly understood as madness or epileptic fits caused by jinn. The choice of these words paints a picture of extreme disorientation, instability, and a lack of control. On the Day of Resurrection, when people will rush forth from their graves, those who consumed usury will rise staggering, unstable, like a person suffering from a fit, a public mark of their sin in this life. This reflects a state of both physical and spiritual disarray.
Linguistically, it's noteworthy that the word "الرِّبا" (usury) is often written in the Qur'an with a *waw* (و) instead of an *alif* (ا). Ibn Ashur suggests this scribal choice points to the word's root, *raba-yarbu*, which means to increase or grow, thereby hinting at the nature of usury as an illegitimate increase.
The False Comparison and Divine Truth
The verse then reveals the reason for this severe fate: "ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟" (That is because they said, 'Trade is just like usury'). This statement highlights their flawed logic and deep-seated conviction. Instead of saying "usury is like trade" (to justify usury by comparing it to an accepted practice), they inverted the comparison. By declaring "trade is like usury," they elevated usury to the foundational principle, attempting to normalize it and dismiss the distinction. Al-Zamakhshari notes this as a form of rhetorical exaggeration, showing how deeply they believed in the permissibility of usury.
Allah immediately refutes this assertion with a clear, definitive statement: "وَأَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟" (But Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury). This direct, contrasting declaration leaves no room for debate. It's a divine decree that establishes a fundamental difference between two seemingly similar financial activities, underscoring Allah's absolute authority to define what is lawful and unlawful.
A Path to Repentance and Severe Warning
The verse then offers a path to redemption: "فَمَن جَآءَهُۥ مَوْعِظَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ فَٱنتَهَىٰ فَلَهُۥ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُۥٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ" (So whoever receives an admonition from his Lord and desists, for him is what has passed, and his affair is with Allah). "مَوْعِظَةٌۭ" (admonition) refers to this divine warning against usury. "فَٱنتَهَىٰ" (and desists) means to stop and refrain from the forbidden act. For those who sincerely repent, "فَلَهُۥ مَا سَلَفَ" (for him is what has passed) means they are not held accountable for past usurious dealings before the prohibition reached them. "وَأَمْرُهُۥٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ" (and his affair is with Allah) implies that their future repentance and its acceptance are left to Allah's mercy and judgment.
However, the warning is severe for those who persist: "وَمَن عَادَ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ" (But whoever returns – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein). "وَمَن عَادَ" (and whoever returns) signifies knowingly going back to consuming usury after receiving the clear divine prohibition. The consequence is "أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ" (companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein), indicating the immense gravity of rejecting Allah's clear command, especially if it involves deeming the forbidden permissible.
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn
Connections
This verse opens a stark contrast to the preceding discussion on charity. While earlier verses encouraged believers to give generously for Allah's sake, this ayah directly addresses those who engage in *riba* (interest or usury), a forbidden gain, highlighting the profound difference between pure and impure earnings. Allah Himself is speaking, delivering a stern warning to those who deal in *riba*, offering a path to repentance, and clarifying the consequences for those who persist in this sin.
The Terrifying State
The verse paints a vivid, unsettling picture: "ٱلَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ ٱلَّذِى يَتَخَبَّطُهُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ مِنَ ٱلْمَسِّ" (Those who consume interest will not stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who has been struck by Satan, afflicted with insanity). This powerful simile, as explained by scholars like al-Wasit and al-Sabuni, describes the *riba* eater rising from their graves on the Day of Judgment in a state of bewilderment and staggering, like a person possessed by a jinn, unable to walk upright. It's a humiliating public display, marking them amongst the assembled. Imam al-Razi and Sayyid Qutb, as cited by al-Wasit and al-Sabuni, suggest this "stumbling" can also represent their confused and restless state in this life, constantly anxious over their ill-gotten gains, demonstrating a kind of "disorder of the intellect" (خبل العقل), as al-Biqa'i observes.
The Twisted Logic
Allah then reveals the reason for their spiritual and physical disfigurement: "ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟" (That is because they say, 'Trade is only like interest'). They rationalize their actions by equating two fundamentally different things. Al-Sabuni and al-Wasit point out this is an "inverted simile" (تشبيه مقلوب), where they make *riba* the norm and measure permissible trade against it, indicating a deep corruption in their understanding. Al-Biqa'i refers to this mindset as "a stripping away of what Allah has placed in the light of the intellect" (انْسِلاخٌ مِمّا أوْدَعَهُ اللَّهُ في نُورِ العَقْلِ). Allah directly refutes this flawed comparison: "وَأَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟" (But Allah has permitted trade and forbidden interest). This clear declaration draws a distinct line, emphasizing that trade involves fair exchange and mutual benefit, while *riba* is exploitation, causing harm to individuals and society.
A Door to Repentance and a Final Warning
The verse then offers a path of mercy: "فَمَن جَآءَهُۥ مَوْعِظَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ فَانتَهَىٰ فَلَهُۥ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُۥٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ" (So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah). This shows Allah's immense grace. As al-Shinqiti highlights, this principle of "what has passed is yours" (مَا سَلَفَ) is a recurring theme in the Quran, granting forgiveness for past actions committed before a prohibition was revealed. Examples include early practices around alcohol, gambling, or marriage, all forgiven if one desists after receiving divine guidance. The phrase "من ربه" (from his Lord) emphasizes that this admonition is from the One Who nourishes and cares for them, underscoring its importance, as al-Biqa'i notes.
However, the verse concludes with a severe warning for those who choose to defy: "وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَابُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ" (But whoever returns to it, those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally). This powerful closing statement confirms the permanence of punishment for those who knowingly persist in *riba* after being warned, illustrating the gravity of their choice and their distance from Allah's mercy.
Sources: al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Shinqiti (Adwa al-Bayan), al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Wisdom
The Stark Contrast
The verse opens with a chilling description of those who consume *riba* (interest or usury). Allah tells us they "will not stand (from their graves on the Day of Resurrection) except as one stands whom Satan has afflicted with madness" (لاَ يَقُومُونَ إِلاَّ كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ). This vivid image portrays them as bewildered, staggering, and disoriented, like someone possessed by a jinn, a direct consequence of their corrupted actions in this life, as noted by al-Saadi. Mufti Shafi explains that this state reflects their heedlessness and lack of reason in the world, where their greed for money blinded them to the plight of others.
The Deception of Logic
The reason for this dreadful state is their misguided belief: "That is because they say, 'Trade is only like interest'" (ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا الْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ الرِّبَا). They failed to see the fundamental difference between lawful trade, which involves effort, risk, and benefit for both parties, and *riba*, which is an unjustified increase on a loan, exploiting another's need. Allah explicitly refutes this false equivalence, stating with ultimate authority: "And Allah has permitted trade and forbidden interest" (وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا). This is a crucial lesson: divine wisdom dictates what is lawful and unlawful, not human rationalization based on perceived profit alone. Mufti Shafi emphasizes that Allah, the All-Knowing, understands the true benefits and harms, even if we do not fully grasp them.
A Path to Repentance
Yet, Allah's mercy is ever-present. For anyone who receives this "admonition from their Lord" (مَوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ) and "desists" (فَانتَهَىٰ) from *riba*, "what is past is his, and his affair is left to Allah" (فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ). This means their prior earnings from *riba* before the prohibition or before their repentance are forgiven, and their future is in Allah's hands, contingent on their sincerity and adherence to the command. This offers a clear path back, highlighting the importance of immediate change upon receiving guidance.
The Consequences of Persistence
However, the verse issues a severe warning: "But whoever returns (to Riba), those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally" (وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُولَئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ). This stark consequence underscores the gravity of *riba* and the danger of persisting in it after clear prohibition. It serves as a powerful reminder that our actions in this world have eternal repercussions. Wahba al-Zuhayli explains that this "eternality" signifies a prolonged stay for a believer, emphasizing the extreme nature of this sin.
Deeper Lessons for Us
This verse offers profound lessons. It teaches us to accept Allah's commands with humility, understanding that His wisdom transcends our limited perception. It is a call to align our hearts and minds with divine guidance, rather than trying to justify what has been forbidden. It encourages seeking repentance and immediate reform, and reminds us that true prosperity and blessing come from lawful (halal) earnings, while illicit gains, like *riba*, lead to spiritual and often worldly destruction, even if seemingly profitable in the short term. The contrast between the confused, staggering state of the *riba*-eater and the straight path of the believer highlights the importance of choosing a life guided by Allah's laws.
Sources: Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim), al-Qurtubi (al-Jami li-Ahkam)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:275 is discussed in 14 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Baqarah 2:275 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.