The Rationale Behind Prohibition Of Riba
There are two dimensions to its prohibition. i) Right of Society on our Savings/Wealth : As per Quran 2:219 , when a pressing need of the society presents itself and we have money to spare in addition to our present and future needs then we’re required to not hold it back. ( Please see : Discussion 31989 ) ii) Riba resulting in Usurpation Of Wealth : Riba is when a demand is made for an additional amount in lending a consumable item such as money and grain. Once such an item is consumed ( e.g. money or grain ), that item itself must be recreated in addition to whatever additional amount ( riba ) must be paid back. This is prohibited because the borrower has no means to reproduce the consumable once it has been consumed. That is why it has been prohibited in Quran in accordance with Quranic Principle of ‘ لَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ ‘ ( Do not devour one another’s wealth by wrongful means [ Quran 4:29 ]). ( Detailed Discussion : Discussion 30863 ) ___ The example of doctor quoted above is not completely relevant because matter of providing service involves labour/time/effort/commitment at one end while giving a loan to another person has no such factor. Therefore, there is moral basis available to charge for medical service in general but there is no moral basis available for providing money to another person and demanding profit on it. It is true that when a doctor denies treating a patient because of financial issues only then he violates another ethical principle which involves saving life of a human being. However, its comparison with riba is incongruous. ___ For short comments as to why Riba is Prohibited in Islam , please also refer to the following video from 2:58 to 13:06 https://youtu.be/QZZpVOQQ5Wc?si=SAcw55mzvkdVjPal&t=178