Riba (Sood) in the Qur’an and Its Impact on Well-Being: A Thematic Review of Spiritual, Social and Health Effects

Abstract

The Quran considers riba (sood) to be a grave sin against morality, and it has a serious negative effect on the prosperity of human beings. The Quran language describes the concept of riba as a practice that spreads injustice, discourages compassion, and destabilizes communities, instead of being just a technical legal definition. This thematic study collects all the verses of the Quran that specifically critique riba and recites them alongside some of the most important prophetic teachings that explicitly criticize riba in business transactions and the life of people. The review proceeds to answer how the ethic critique of riba in the Quran is relevant to three elements of well-being: (1) spiritual well-being, in terms of the nurturation of taqwaq2, cleanliness of wealth, and safeguarding of barakah; (2) social well- being, in terms of safeguarding the weak, avoiding exploitation and inequality, and ensuring trust; and (3) health-related well-being in terms of the current route of debt distress and ongoing financial stress that may damage both mental and physical health. The paper concludes that the Quran prohibition of riba is a protective measure in promoting justice and dignity and is supported with alternatives, which are grounded on charity, such as zakat, qard hasan, and sadaqah that foster social unity and reduce damage.