“They say, “ Trading (buying and selling) is like usury.” But God has allowed trading and forbidden usury. (2:275) – what is usury? Simple interest or excessive interest? Is profiteering ( as opposed to reasonable profit) the same as usury? Speculative trading, derivatives, options, forward sales – are these usury? Giving 90% profit to shareholders while denying employees a living wage – it is usurious? Monopolistic pricing – is it usurious? Great divergence in profitability across the supply chain – it is usurious? Wall street vs. Main street – whose conduct is closer to usury? We need answers to all these questions in the 21st Century to make the world more equitable and reduce the widening wealth gap.
