DAY 493: Baqarah 275-281

•  Those who consume interest will stand ˹on Judgment Day˺ like those driven to madness by Satan’s touch. That is because they say, “Trade is no different than interest.” But Allah has permitted trading and forbidden interest. Whoever refrains—after having received warning from their Lord—may keep their previous gains, and their case is left to Allah. As for those who persist, it is they who will be the residents of the Fire. They will be there forever. Allah has made interest fruitless and charity fruitful. And Allah does not like any ungrateful evildoer. Surely those who believe and do good deeds, and establish Salāh (prayer) and pay Zakāh will have their reward with their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve. O believers! Fear Allah, and give up outstanding interest if you are ˹true˺ believers. If you do not, then beware of a war with Allah and His Messenger! But if you repent, you may retain your principal—neither inflicting nor suffering harm. If it is difficult for someone to repay a debt, postpone it until a time of ease. And if you waive it as an act of charity, it will be better for you, if only you knew. Be mindful of the Day when you will ˹all˺ be returned to Allah, then every soul will be paid in full for what it has done, and none will be wronged. 
  (
  After the long section on infaq, sadaqah, and zakah (261–274), Allah now draws a sharp line between those who consume riba (interest/usury) and those who give charity. The verses describe those who deal in interest as acting like those who have been driven mad by Satan's touch — because the greed for endless increase destroys the soul. Then Allah commands believers to give up whatever remains of interest if they truly believe. And the section ends with a terrifying warning: fear a Day when you will be returned to Allah, and every soul will be paid in full for what it earned — and no one will be wronged.
  
  275    Interest consumers rise like madmen on Judgment Day. Trade is permitted, interest forbidden.    Greed is madness. Trade shares risk. Interest shifts all risk to the weak.
  276    Allah destroys interest and grows charity    The math of this world is not Allah's math.
  277    Believers + deeds + prayer + zakah = no fear, no grief    The secure path is faith and action, not endless accumulation.
  278–279    Give up remaining interest — otherwise war with Allah and His Messenger    This is not a suggestion. It is a declaration of war. Repent and keep your principal.
  280    If debtor is in hardship, postpone. Forgiving the debt as charity is better.    Mercy is better than collection. Forgiveness is better than interest.
  281    Fear the Day you return to Allah — every soul paid in full, no one wronged    On that Day, your loan agreements will not save you.
  
  Those who consume interest will rise on Judgment Day like madmen — because they said trade is like interest, but Allah permitted trade and forbidden interest; He destroys interest and grows charity; so give up what remains of interest, or declare war with Allah; if the debtor is in hardship, postpone or forgive; and fear a Day when every soul will be paid in full for what it earned, and no one will be wronged.
  
  )