What is the Sharia ruling on whoever permits usury?

Usury (Riba) is one of the gravest major sins. It is forbidden by explicit texts in the Quran and Sunnah, and by the consensus of the Ummah. Therefore, whoever permits it has disbelieved Allah and His Messenger, and has denied what has been agreed upon, and this act expels one from Islam. An exception to this is one who issues a fatwa permitting it in cases of necessity, based on the Almighty's saying: (And He has already explained to you what He has forbidden to you, except for that to which you are compelled). As for controversial issues, it is not permissible to issue a fatwa except with the most preponderant opinion.