The meaning of usury is interest or more value on
the exchange of goods. Namely the aqod that occurs in the exchange of similar
objects without known equal or no weights (measure). This often happens in the
exchange of food, silver, and gold.
Riba, whatever the form, in syari`at Islam the law
is haram. I The legal sanctions are also very heavy. "Those who consume
usury, I can not stand but as the one who possessed the demons I possessed for
being mad." (Surah 2 / Al-Baqoroh: 275) That is, the riba I never ate his
soul. For that person who already I do transaction usury, after knowing this
verse let I leave it. "O ye who believe! I fear Allah and abandon the
usury of usury, if ye are believers." (Surah 2 / Al-Baqoroh: 278)
The sin of usury does not only happen to the owner
of the money who intends to lend it, but also affects everyone I
involved in it. Jabir ra. tells us: "The
Prophet condemned the person who took usury, the representative, the person who
took note, and the one who witnessed it." (Muslim). So it is clear that
everyone involved in usury transactions starts from the owner of the money, the
recorder, until the witness is exposed to his sin.
In order to avoid usury, then when to hold the sale
of similar goods such as gold with gold, or silver with silver set terms:
1) the same size or scales
2) Handover is made on the spot.
3) in cash.
If not the same kind, such as gold and silver may
differ in size, but still must be in cash and handed over on the spot. Unless
the goods are of different type with differences such as silver with rice, it
can apply the provisions of the sale as well as other items.
Some scholars believe that there are four types of
riba:
1. Riba Fadhli, is the exchange of similar items of
the same size. For example, a 22-karat gold ring weighing 10 grams is exchanged
for 22 carat gold but weighs 11 grams. The advantages are that which includes
usury.
2. Riba Qordhi, is borrowing on condition that it
should give extra when returning it. Suppose A is willing to lend B money to Rp
100.000,00 from B that he is willing to return it to 115.000,00. That loan
interest is called usury.
3. Riba Yadi, is the sale of the same kind of goods
and the same scales, but the seller and the buyer parted before giving the
handover. Like the sale of beans or cassava still in the ground.
4. Riba Naza`, is a sale and purchase agreement
with delivery of goods sometime later. For example, buy small fruits on the
tree, then handed over after large or after a good harvest. Or if buying paddy in
the dry season, but is handed over after harvest.