Page 88 - What Kind of Yemen ?

What Kind of Yemen?

respects. Countries like Yemen that need overseas money increase

interest rates. Those who wish to earn greater revenues thanks to high
interest rates establish a flow of money from outside the country to
inside. The state seeks to make use of this money entering the country,
but other economic problems then raise their heads. Since interest rates
rise, the costs of loans from banks rise. It becomes impossible to invest
by taking out loans. On the other hand, people are encouraged to
invest their money in banks rather than in manufacturing. It is much

easier to make money out of interest than by working.
The main reason for the global economic crisis is the interest sys-
tem. Our Lord has made this system unlawful. Yet it is shamelessly
implemented in societies based on self-interest because it is depicted as
attractive, and people never consider that it will actually harm them,
and even think it will benefit them. Since the interest system is made
to look attractive, people are encouraged to invest their money in
banks rather than production or investment. Since there can be no pro-
duction or money circulation in the markets under a system in which

people invest their money in banks, or keep it hidden under the mat-
tress or in safes, financial consequences such as high costs of living,
inflation and economic collapse are inevitable. This is what happened
in the global financial crisis; production coming to a halt, no circulation
of money and money being kept in banks to earn interest all brought
the economy down.
Yet Almighty God advises us to avoid interest in verses, and tells

of the scourges that will result from it;
You who believe! Do not feed on usury, multiplied and then
remultiplied. Have fear of God so that hopefully you will be
successful. (Surah Al 'Imran, 130)

Those who practice usury will not rise from the grave except as
someone driven mad by satan's touch. That is because they say,
"Trade is the same as usury." But God has permitted trade and

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