44/2. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4455 — The Widespread Effect of Riba
Avoiding doubtful sources of earning
Riba in Islam: When Its Effects Reach Everyone
Sunan an-Nasai : 4455
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4455
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي عَدِيٍّ، عَنْ دَاوُدَ بْنِ أَبِي هِنْدٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي خَيْرَةَ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " يَأْتِي عَلَى النَّاسِ زَمَانٌ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا فَمَنْ لَمْ يَأْكُلْهُ أَصَابَهُ مِنْ غُبَارِهِ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: "There will come a time when there will be no one left who does not consume Riba, and whoever does not consume it will nevertheless be affected by residue." (Sahih)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4455In-book reference : Book 44, Hadith 7English translation : Vol. 5, Book 44, Hadith 4460
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4455
This hadith gives a serious warning about riba in Islam. The Messenger of Allah says that a time will come when no one will remain untouched by it. Some people will consume riba directly, while those who do not consume it will still be affected by its residue or dust. The wording shows how widely the effects of an unlawful financial practice can spread through society. It does not say that indirect exposure is the same as deliberately consuming riba, and it does not explain every financial case. The message is a warning about reach and influence. A believer should not become relaxed about riba just because it is common. The hadith encourages awareness, care, and a serious effort to avoid direct involvement while recognising that its wider effects may be difficult to escape.
What we learn from this hadith
- Riba can become widespread across society.
- Direct consumption and indirect effects are distinguished in the wording.
- Common practice does not remove the warning against riba.
- A person should remain careful even when financial systems are difficult to avoid.
