Hadith Text and Authentication

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'There will come a time when there will be no one left who does not consume Riba, and whoever does not consume it will nevertheless be affected by residue.'" (Sahih)

This narration is recorded in Sunan an-Nasa'i (4455) and other authentic collections. The wording indicates a profound warning about the pervasive nature of riba in later times.

Meaning of Riba

Riba refers to any excess in loan transactions or exchange of specific commodities without proper compensation. Scholars classify it into Riba al-Nasi'ah (interest on delayed payments) and Riba al-Fadl (excess in simultaneous exchange).

The prohibition of riba is established through numerous Quranic verses and prophetic traditions, making it among the gravest financial sins in Islamic law.

Exposition of the Prophetic Warning

"There will come a time when there will be no one left who does not consume Riba" indicates the normalization and widespread acceptance of interest-based transactions in later eras, to the extent that avoiding them becomes exceptionally difficult.

"Whoever does not consume it will nevertheless be affected by residue" means that even those who consciously avoid direct involvement with riba will be indirectly affected through economic systems, market fluctuations, and financial environments saturated with interest-based transactions.

Scholarly Interpretation and Legal Implications

Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani and Imam Nawawi explain that this hadith describes a condition where riba becomes so prevalent that complete avoidance becomes nearly impossible for the common person.

The "residue" (ghubar) refers to the subtle, indirect effects of riba that permeate economic systems, affecting even those who strive to avoid it. This does not excuse direct involvement but emphasizes the need for extra caution.

Scholars emphasize that this prophetic warning does not legitimize riba but serves as both a prediction and a motivation to establish alternative financial systems and exercise maximum caution in transactions.

Practical Guidance from The Book of Financial Transactions

Muslims are obligated to make sincere efforts to avoid riba in all forms, seeking halal sustenance and supporting Islamic financial alternatives.

When unavoidable indirect exposure occurs due to systemic factors, scholars advise seeking forgiveness and making efforts to purify one's wealth through charity while continuously striving to minimize involvement.

This hadith serves as a reminder to maintain spiritual vigilance in economic matters and to work toward establishing just financial systems in accordance with Islamic principles.