The Book of Adornment - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5103

The Messenger of Allah [SAW] cursed the one who consumes Riba, the one who pays it, the one who writes it down, and the one who withholds Sadaqah (Zakah). And he used to forbid wailing (in mourning for the dead).

Scholarly Commentary on Riba

The curse upon the consumer of Riba encompasses all forms of usurious transactions, whether small or large. The one who pays Riba shares in the sin because he facilitates and consents to this prohibited transaction.

The scribe who documents such contracts participates in the sin by enabling its preservation and execution. This comprehensive condemnation demonstrates the severity of Riba in Islamic law, as it corrupts society and oppresses the needy.

Commentary on Withholding Zakah

Withholding Zakah when it becomes obligatory is a major sin, as it constitutes disobedience to Allah's command and deprives the poor of their rightful share. The curse applies to those who delay or refuse payment without valid excuse.

Zakah purifies wealth and strengthens social solidarity, thus withholding it damages both individual spirituality and community welfare.

Prohibition of Wailing

The prohibition of wailing (an-niyaha) refers to excessive lamentation with raised voices, beating cheeks, tearing clothes, and other displays of despair that contradict Islamic teachings on patience and submission to Divine decree.

While natural grief is permitted, Islam discourages extravagant expressions of mourning that suggest rejection of Allah's will and undermine the believer's acceptance of destiny.