This axis brings together 1 instance of the use of this verse in Muhammad Shahrur’s books, linking it to the concepts and arguments that appear around it.
Text of the Verse as Cited
God obliterates usury and causes charities to grow
Reader’s Answer
Question
Where does this verse occur, how does Shahrur distinguish in it between usury and charities, and what function does it serve in his argument?
The verse is Al-Baqarah 276. Shahrur cites it in Islam and Humanity as a contrast between the obliteration of usury and the growth of charities. For him, it supports the prohibition of usury and shows that the immediate benefit gained by the creditor does not count as growth with God, unlike charities, among which he includes zakat.
Shahrur cites Al-Baqarah 276 to highlight a contrast between the obliteration of usury and the growth of charities. He considers zakat to be among the charities and connects it to that which grows with God. He employs the verse in his argument for the prohibition of usury: the creditor’s immediate benefit does not constitute growth with God, and he links this to the harm and financial hardship inflicted on the debtor.
Citation and Location
Islam and Humanity — location not specified.
Limits of the Reading
- The location of the citation within Islam and Humanity is not specified, although the verse itself is identified as Al-Baqarah 276.
- The citation does not explicitly use the term “blessing”; therefore, the denial of blessing should not here be presented as wording attributed to Shahrur.
- This citation alone does not establish a comprehensive definition of usury or a full account of the difference between it and bank interest.
- The distinction established in the citation is between the outcome of usury and the outcome of charities with God, with zakat included among charities.
Continue from Here
Brief Reading
The verse is used to highlight that there is no blessing in usury and that charity is true growth with God.
Axes
- Human and ethical
- Legislative
Related Concepts
- Usury: 2
Its Place in the Conceptual Network
It forms part of the network distinguishing beneficial wealth from corrupting wealth.
Role of the Verse in the Argument
- Support: 1
Instances of Use
- Islam and Humanity: It is used to highlight that there is no blessing in usury and that charity is true growth with God.
- Concept: usury
- Function of the verse here: support
- Textual citation: “{ God obliterates usury and causes charities to grow … } (Al-Baqarah 276)”
Related Books
This page is presented within the general atlas construction methodology.