Which is a graver sin: usury or bribery?
Both are forbidden and are major sins, falling under the Almighty's saying: (And do not consume your property among yourselves through falsehood). Usury (riba) is a more grievous sin than bribery, for Allah has threatened its perpetrator with war, as stated in His saying: (O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of riba, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal – [thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged). This threat was not mentioned concerning the perpetrator of bribery. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned usury among the seven destructive sins. Nevertheless, a curse has been mentioned concerning the perpetrator of bribery, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the briber and the bribed." A Muslim must avoid all major sins, for the Almighty said: (If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your [minor] evil deeds and admit you to a noble entrance [into Paradise]), and should even avoid minor sins.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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