CRASH COURSE: PAYNOW, PAYLATER, PAYRIBA
"....That is because they say, “Trade is no different than interest.” But Allah has permitted trading and forbidden interest..."(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:275)
Masjid Sallim Mattar recently held an insightful crash course navigating the topic of riba (interest/usury), which can feel incredibly heavy, isolating, and taboo. The session opened with a foundational introduction to the Syariah ecosystem, illustrating how the five categories of Islamic rulings (Ahkam) are structured together with an understanding of Maqasid Syariah to guide our daily practical and economic activities.
Beyond the basics, participants were invited to explore the ethical boundaries of Muamalat (commercial transactions). We navigated the different types of Gharar (uncertainty), briefly touching upon how major (Fahish) and minor (Yasir) uncertainties can discreetly appear in modern, everyday purchases. The session also unpacked the broader taxonomy of Riba, shedding light on how it extends far beyond simple interest to include various forms of debt-based (Riba ad-Duyun) and trade-based (Riba ad-Buyun) transactions.
By uncovering how these elements blend into modern financial decisions, the session encouraged a deeper mindfulness of our everyday transactions. Ultimately, the journey toward a truly halal (lawful) and tayyib (wholesome) lifestyle begins with understanding these ethical boundaries inspiring us to continuously seek the deeper knowledge required to make conscious, empowered choices in our financial lives.
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MONTHLY QIYAM (SEPTEMBER)
"And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer] ..." (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:64)
Masjid Sallim Mattar recently held its Monthly Qiyam, bringing the community together in the peaceful hours before Fajr for a morning of prayer, reflection and remembrance.
Qiyam offers a special opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with Allah through prayer and heartfelt supplication. As the mosque came alive in the quiet of the early morning, congregants gathered with a shared intention — to seek Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and blessings.
Beyond the prayers, the gathering served as a gentle reminder of the importance of making time for our spiritual well-being and nurturing our relationship with Allah.
May these moments of worship continue to inspire us to carry the peace, reflection and devotion experienced during Qiyam into our everyday lives.
May Allah accept our prayers, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us strength and istiqamah in our journey towards Him.