Verse of Loan


The Verse of Loan is verse 282 of chapter Al-Baqara. It is the longest verse in the longest chapter of the Quran. This verse discusses the procedures related to debt contracts and loans.

Text and meaning



O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down.



And let a scribe write between you in justice.



Let no scribe refuse to write as God Allāh has taught him.



So let him write and let the one who has the obligation dictate. And let him fear God Allāh, his Lord, and not leave anything out of it.



But if the one who has the obligation is of limited understanding or weak or unable to dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate in justice.



And bring to witness two witnesses from among your men.



And if there are not two men, then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses – so that if one of them errs, then the other can remind him or her.



And let not the witnesses refuse when they are called upon.



And do not be weary to write it, whether it is small or large, for its term.



That is more just in the sight of God Allāh and stronger as evidence and more likely to prevent doubt between you,



except when it is an immediate transaction which you conduct among yourselves. For there is no blame upon you if you do not write it.



And take witnesses when you conclude a contract.



Let no scribe be harmed or any witness.



For if you do so, indeed, it is disobedience in you.



And fear God Allāh.



And God Allāh teaches you.



And God is Knowing of all things.



Meaning

O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, write it down. Let a scribe write it down in justice between you. Let not the scribe refuse to write as God has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, and he must fear God, his Lord, and diminish not anything of what he owes. But if the debtor is of poor understanding, or weak, or is unable himself to dictate, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind him or her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called on. You should not become weary to write it, whether it be small or big, for its fixed term, that is more just with God ; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, save when it is a present trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract. Let neither scribe nor witness suffer any harm, but if you do, it would be wickedness in you. So be afraid of God ; and God teaches you. And God is the All-Knower of each and everything.