ribā

Islamic doctrine

Also known as: doctrine of interest

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

In Islamic doctrine, ribā refers to the prohibition of usury, which is the charging of interest on loans. This concept is a significant influence on Islamic law, particularly in transactions. The Qur'an, the sacred scripture of Islam, forbids the charging of interest, making it illegal in some Muslim countries.12

While ribā strictly prohibits any form of interest on capital loans or investments, Islamic law allows for alternative arrangements. For instance, a higher price can be charged for goods if payment is deferred compared to immediate payment. This doctrine, coupled with a general prohibition on gambling, means that speculative transactions with uncertain outcomes are generally not permitted in Islamic law.21

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Pakistan
Economy of Pakistan
…charging interest on loans (ribā )—and mandated such traditional religious practices as the payment of zakāt (tithe) and ʿushr (land tax). Though portions of the Islamic economy have remained in place, the state began in the 1990s to privatize—in whole or in part—large sectors of the nationalized economy.
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…charging interest on loans (ribā )—and mandated such traditional religious practices as the payment of zakāt (tithe) and ʿushr (land tax). Though portions of the Islamic economy have remained in place, the state began in the 1990s to privatize—in whole or in part—large sectors of the nationalized economy.
Read More