Q: I took from a person 29,500 riyals instead of buying two Highlocks cars. I did not take the cars, but I received this sum of money instead of the cars on the basis of repaying it as 50000 riyals in a monthly installments; 2000 riyals per month. One month ago, I heard some scholars say that such a kind of dealing is Riba (usury/interest). They said that this kind of transaction is unlawful for the seller and the buyer. Therefore, I send this question to you to guide me to what pleases Allah (Exalted be He) in order to avoid His prohibitions and what brings His wrath. Is this kind of transaction considered Riba?

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, then this transaction is forbidden because it is an exchange of a sum of money in return for a larger sum of money for a deferred period in the future. It contains Riba Al-Fadl (usury of excess, selling an item for another of the same type, on the spot, but in excess) and Riba Al-Nasi'ah (usury of delay, conditional excess for delay of payment) which are prohibited. You have to repent to Allah from this sin and you should repay him only the capital of his money. If you do that, Allah may forgive you and accept your repentance. Allah (Exalted be He) says: O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums). (Part No. 13; Page No. 318) If you differ in this regard, you can go to court to solve this dispute. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.