The notion that interest is not a sin, or that ONLY excessive interest counts as usury, is rubbish.

Even so-called “moderate interest rates” can be exploitative, especially when borrowers are in vulnerable financial positions. Lenders may take advantage of the borrower’s lack of access to alternative sources of funding or their desperation, leading to situations where borrowers are trapped in cycles of debt.

Charging interest on loans involves making money from money itself without engaging in productive economic activity. This widens wealth disparities and contributes to financial instability. High levels of indebtedness, whether due to “moderate” or excessive interest rates, can lead to systemic risks and economic downturns, as seen in various financial crises throughout history. It also leads to market bubbles, with the current housing bubble being one of the most prominent examples.

Usury is the fundamental sin that enabled those who set up the global central banking system (with the Federal Reserve being the primary central bank of this usurious system) with its shit depreciating fiat currencies to rob humanity via inflation.

In Islam, riba (interest/usury) is forbidden, and charging any interest on loans is considered haram / forbidden, regardless of the amount. Loans are primarily seen as an act of benevolence in Islam. The only form of loan that is permitted is a “Qard Hasan,” a non-interest-based loan to help those needing financial assistance.

“Establish regular prayer and give regular charity and give Allah a good loan (Qard Hasan).”

~ Qur’an

It is not merely seen as a transaction between two parties but also between oneself and God directly.

If you want profit / returns from your money, it can’t be based on interest-bearing loans where the one getting the returns bears no risk. Instead, actually invest in a useful, promising enterprise / business that allows both parties to share in both the profits and losses. This is what Islam promotes for humanity.

“Those who engage in usury will not stand, except as stands one whom the Devil has driven to madness by his touch. This is because they say, “Trade is just like usury,” but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who, after receiving direction from their Lord, desist shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah to judge. However, those who repeat the offense are companions of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.”

~ Qur’an 2: 275

“Whatever interest you provide to increase the wealth of people will not increase with God, but what you give in zakah (charity), seeking the countenance of God, those are the multipliers.”

~ Qur’an 30: 39

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ cursed the receiver and the payer of interest, the one who records it and the two witnesses to the transaction and said: They are all alike [in guilt].”

Source: Sahih Muslim

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“There are 70 degrees of usury, the least of which is equivalent to a man having intercourse with his mother.”

Source: Sunan Ibn Majah 2274