What is the interpretation of the verse: "And do not consume your properties among yourselves through falsehood, and do not present it to the rulers that you may consume thereby a part of the properties of the people sinfully while you know"?

The noble verse included an address to the believers, prohibiting them from consuming people's wealth unjustly. This encompasses everything Allah has forbidden, such as usury, bribery, gambling, usurpation, and injustice, as well as taking without consent, spending money on entertainment venues and singers' fees, and whatever the Sharia has forbidden, even if the owner consents to it, like the dowry of a prostitute, the payment to a soothsayer, and the prices of intoxicants and swine. It also includes what a ruler may judge to be permissible when it is, in fact, forbidden. His exalted saying: "and do not present it to the rulers" means do not bribe rulers for them to rule in your favor for more than what you presented. And His saying: "that you may knowingly consume a portion of the people's properties wrongfully" means you know its falsehood and sinfulness. This indicates an extreme degree of audacity and disobedience. The Sunnis have agreed that taking any wealth unjustly is forbidden, and its perpetrator is considered a fasiq (transgressor), based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Indeed, your blood, your wealth, and your honor are sacred to you."