Question
Is the following Hadith recorded in Musnad Ahmad authentic?
“No matter how much interest you have it will decrease.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 3753)
Answer
Imams Ahmad, Hakim (rahimahumallah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded this Hadith.
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Usury/Interest even though it may be abundant [outwardly], it will always result in a loss/humiliation.”
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1 pg. 395, Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 2 pg. 37)
Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has declared this Hadith authentic and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) concurs.
Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah) has also recorded this Hadith with slight variation in the wording. The wording of this version is as follows:
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The outcome of the one who transacts in a great deal of interest will be one of loss/poverty.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 2279)
Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has also declared this version authentic and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) concurs.
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4 pg. 317/318)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar,
Allah Ta’ala says: ‘Allah destroys usury and increases charity.’ (Surah Baqarah, Ayah: 276).
Abstinence from usury is among the greatest challenges of our time. One should keep the above Ayah, and Hadith in mind at all times.