Do not consume wealth unjustly or by bribery

Verse: 2:188

Arabic Text

وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ وَلَا تُدْلُوا بِهَا إِلَى الْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا فَرِيقًا مِّنْ أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ بِالْإِثْمِ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

Translation

And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers so that you may consume a portion of the wealth of the people wrongfully, while you know [it is unlawful].

Description

This verse teaches us not to take others' money unfairly or use bribes to cheat people out of their wealth.

Detailed Explanation

This verse from the Quran tells us about an important rule in Islam: we should never take what does not belong to us or use dishonest means like bribery to get money from others. Allah (SWT) advises us that dealing with wealth should be based on justice and fairness. There is a significant moral lesson here: it is essential to practice honesty in our daily lives, especially when it comes to money and possessions. In Tafsir Ibn Kathir, it is mentioned that the practice of unjustly taking wealth, especially through bribery, was common before Islam, and the Quran came to stop such unjust economic practices. By forbidding bribery and unjust earning, Islam aims to build a society based on trust and righteousness. Moreover, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasize that gaining wealth in wrong ways can lead to societal harm and personal accountability before Allah. In a Hadith reported by Abu Hurairah in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure." By adhering to these teachings, you help make the world a fairer place. Whether you're buying something, receiving a gift, or working, it's important to ensure everything you gain is in a way that is right and permitted in Islam. Not only does this create peace of mind and trust among people, but it also strengthens the bond of community, which is a core value in Islam.