Is Taking Interest a Sin? – With Proof from Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the Quran, and the Bible
In today’s world, most people borrow money from banks, lenders, or other sources and pay interest on it. Some even earn money by lending on interest. But is this morally and spiritually right? Is taking or giving interest considered a sin in religious scriptures?
In this article, we will explore what Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the Quran, and the Bible say about interest (usury) and whether it is sinful.
1. What Does Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Say About Interest?
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, both taking and giving interest is a sin. It goes against the laws of the Supreme God Kabir, who created the universe.
He explains:
“A person who lends money on interest is essentially exploiting the poor for personal gain. This is a form of oppression and is considered a grave sin in the eyes of God.”
Sant Rampal Ji has clarified this many times in his spiritual discourses and his book Gyan Ganga, stating that charging or paying interest is absolutely forbidden from a spiritual perspective.
2. What Does the Quran Say About Interest?
In Islam, interest (known as Riba in Arabic) is strictly prohibited. The Quran considers those who deal in interest as people waging war against Allah.
Quran – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:275-279):
“Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity… Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest…”
“…If you repent, you may have your principal. But if you do not, then be warned of a war from Allah and His Messenger.”
According to Islam, interest is not only sinful but also an act of defiance against God.
3. What Does the Bible Say About Interest?
In Christianity, the Bible also discourages the practice of charging interest, especially from the poor and needy. The Old Testament specifically forbids it.
Deuteronomy 23:19:
“Do not charge your brother interest—whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest.”
Exodus 22:25:
“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.”
From a Biblical perspective, charging interest—especially from someone in need—is seen as disobeying God’s commandments.
4. Conclusion: Is Charging Interest Really a Sin?
- According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, taking or giving interest is sinful.
- The Quran strictly forbids interest and equates it to declaring war against Allah.
- The Bible also prohibits charging interest, particularly from the poor.
Quran Majeed Surah Al-Baqra-2
Verse no. 276: – Allah ruins everything of the interest taker, that is, destroys him, and
prospers the one who does deeds of charity (donates). And Allah does not like an ungrateful
person who does evil deeds.
Surah Al-Baqra-2
Verse no. 277: – Yes, those who have faith and do good deeds, offer namaz (prayer) and
give alms (zakat), their reward is certainly with their Lord. There is no chance for any terror
(fear) and misery (grief) for them.
Surah Al-Baqra-2
Verse no. 278: – O people who have faith! Fear Allah and waive of what is left of your
interest from the people. If you really believe.
Surah Al-Baqra-2
Verse no. 279: – If you do not do this, then beware that there is a declaration of war against
you from Allah and His Messenger (representative) i.e., strict punishment will be given.
Surah Al-Baqra-2
Verse no. 280:- If your debtor is in trouble, spare him till his financial conditions get better,
and if you donate, it is even better for you. If you understand.
One Should Donate (Zakat)
Surah Al-Baqra-2
Verse no. 261: – Those who spend their wealth (money) in the way of Allah, the example of
their expense is like sowing a grain. Seven stems grow out of it, and each stem has a hundred
grains. In this way, Allah grants growth to those whose deeds he prefers. He is all-Encompassing
as well as Omniscient.
Surah Al-Baqra-2
Verse no. 262: – Those who spend their wealth (money) in the way of Allah and then do not
follow up what they have spent with reminders of it, nor do they cause sorrow, their reward
is with their Lord and there is no chance for any grief (worry) and fear. (That is, they do not
need to worry or fear. God protects them. He also increases their wealth.)
The Giver of the Knowledge of Quran Reveals his Glory
Surah Ambiya-21 (from Quran Majeed, large size)
Verse no. 92: – This is your way (on which you have to remain firm); this is the only way
and I am your Lord, so you should worship me.
Surah Ambiya-21 (from Quran Majeed, large size)
Verse no. 30: – Those infidels did not know that the sky and the earth were (initially) closed.
Then We opened them both (by our power). And We made every living thing out of water. Do
they still not have faith (even after hearing those things)?
Surah Ambiya-21 (from Quran Majeed, large size)
Verse no. 31: – And We created mountains on the ground so that the ground would not
shake with those people on it. And We made wide paths on this land so that those people could
reach their destinations (through them).
Surah Ambiya-21 (from Quran Majeed large size)
Verse no. 32: – And We created (by our power) the sky (like) a roof which is safe (everlasting)
and these people have turned a blind eye to the (existing) signs of this (in the sky).
