Hadith #407

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever trades without knowing the rules of religious law will be involved in usury.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having knowledge and understanding of the Islamic principles and guidelines before engaging in any business transactions.

Let us analyze the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (itajara) "اتَّجَرَ" means to trade or engage in business activities. The word (ghayri fiqhin) "غَيْرِ فِقْهٍ" refers to the absence of understanding or knowledge of religious law. And the word (irtatama) "ارْتَطَمَ" signifies being involved or falling into something undesirable, in this case, usury.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 275:

Those who consume interest 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 interest.' But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.

This verse highlights the grave consequences of engaging in usury and the importance of distinguishing between lawful trade and unlawful interest.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 219, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers,

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, 'In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.' And they ask you what they should spend. Say, 'The excess [beyond needs].' Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought.

This verse highlights the need for discernment and understanding when it comes to engaging in activities that may have both positive and negative aspects.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that ignorance of religious laws can lead to unintended consequences. In the context of trade, it warns against engaging in business transactions without proper knowledge of the Islamic principles governing commerce. This Hadith encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding of the rules and guidelines set forth by Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) before venturing into any trade or business activities.

By adhering to the teachings of Islam, Muslims can ensure that their transactions are conducted in a manner that is lawful and free from any form of usury or exploitation. This Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking religious knowledge and consulting scholars who possess expertise in Islamic jurisprudence before engaging in any business dealings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to acquire the necessary knowledge and understanding of religious laws before engaging in trade. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between lawful trade and unlawful usury, as well as the consequences of engaging in business without proper knowledge. By following the teachings of Islam and seeking guidance from knowledgeable scholars, Muslims can ensure that their business transactions are conducted in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).