Jumping in here, and I think I see what you're saying noshirk.
Reading the verses containing the word to me it looks like an excessive addition to a loan/payment or to put it in common terms, ripping people off. Trade is ok, people make profits from trade and that's how trade works. Charging more than is acceptable would be riba. So called Islamic banks just change the name of interest to profit share, the process is no different.
Living in Egypt and being a white foreigner I am quoted a riba amount for most things, I am expected to pay more than a local person so therefore more than is acceptable for trade.
Although I agree on your last statement, there are thousands of 'false sheikhs' peddling their opinions worldwide and making a living from it, religion is not for sale, belief is not for sale.
Reading the verses containing the word to me it looks like an excessive addition to a loan/payment or to put it in common terms, ripping people off. Trade is ok, people make profits from trade and that's how trade works. Charging more than is acceptable would be riba. So called Islamic banks just change the name of interest to profit share, the process is no different.
Living in Egypt and being a white foreigner I am quoted a riba amount for most things, I am expected to pay more than a local person so therefore more than is acceptable for trade.
Although I agree on your last statement, there are thousands of 'false sheikhs' peddling their opinions worldwide and making a living from it, religion is not for sale, belief is not for sale.