Hadiths emphasizing the severity of usury over fornication

Authored by Dr. Ali bin Abdullah Al-Sayah Research Summary Research Title: Hadiths on Exalting Riba over Zina: A Critical Study Field of Study: Prophetic Hadith Science Researcher: Dr. Ali bin Abdullah Al-Sayah Specialization: Hadith and Its Sciences Number of Pages: Research Problem: There is a significant discrepancy among Hadith scholars in judging the authenticity of hadiths that exalt Riba over Zina. Some consider them authentic and even meeting the criteria of Bukhari and Muslim, while others regard them as fabricated. Between these views, there are varying opinions. What is the correct stance on this? What are the reasons for this disagreement? And is it possible that a dirham of Riba is more severe than Zina, or in some narrations, the least of it is like a man marrying his mother? Research Objective: The aim of the research is to gather and trace the routes of the hadiths that exalt Riba over Zina, and to study each route according to the modern Hadith criticism standards established by Hadith scholars. - To present the opinions of Hadith scholars—both early and later—regarding the judgment of these hadiths, along with the most likely opinion after weighing and justifying. - To examine the text of the hadith and its conformity with the principles indicated by the Quran and authentic Sunnah. Main Results: Among the most important findings the researcher reached are: - The weakness of the hadith from all its routes, and the unsuitability of all routes due to the lack of supporting evidence and follow-ups. - The exaltation of Riba over Zina is established from two Muslim People of the Book: the first is the noble Companion Abdullah ibn Salam, and the second is the great Tabi’i Ka'b al-Ahbar. The research reveals the secret behind this. - Most of those who criticized and declared the hadith as weak are from early hadith scholars and their major figures, while most of those who authenticated it are from later and contemporary scholars. - Based on the above—considering the weakness of all the hadiths related to this topic—I believe that it is never appropriate to insist on declaring Riba as more severe than Zina, as the noble verses and authentic Sunnah clarify that Zina is more dangerous and more corrupting than Riba. Therefore, the text remains questionable.