What is the ruling on taking 5,0 dirhams and returning 10,0 dirhams after two months, and what is the ruling on lending an amount equivalent to 5 grams of gold with the condition of returning the equivalent value of the gold at the time of repayment, and do the two transactions differ in ruling despite the single outcome? And how can money be lent while ensuring the return of the same value?

It is not permissible to take 5,0 dirhams and return 10,0 dirhams after two months, as this is a prohibited usurious loan due to the stipulated increase. Similarly, giving an amount equivalent to 5 grams of gold and then recovering an amount equivalent to 5 grams of gold after two months at a new price is also prohibited, because it links the monetary value to the price of gold, which is impermissible.

However, if one loans 5 grams of gold, it is permissible to return it in gold. It is also permissible to agree at the time of repayment to return its equivalent in cash at the price of the day of repayment, not before.

One must distinguish between permissible and prohibited transactions, even if the outcome is the same. For example, selling two inferior saa' of dates for dirhams and then buying one good saa' is permissible, whereas exchanging two inferior saa' for one good saa' is usury. Those who fear inflation can loan gold or a stable currency.