Kontroversi Bunga Bank dalam Islam: Tinjauan atas Pandangan MUI dan Ulama Kontemporer

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The concept of interest, or *riba*, is strictly prohibited in Islam. This principle has led to a long-standing debate regarding the permissibility of bank interest in Islamic finance. The debate centers around the interpretation of Islamic law and its application to modern financial practices. This article delves into the controversy surrounding bank interest in Islam, examining the perspectives of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and contemporary Islamic scholars. #### The MUI's Stance on Bank Interest The MUI, the highest Islamic authority in Indonesia, has consistently declared bank interest to be *haram* (forbidden) based on its interpretation of Islamic law. The MUI's stance is rooted in the Quranic verses and hadiths that explicitly prohibit *riba*. The MUI argues that bank interest, regardless of its form or mechanism, constitutes *riba* because it involves lending money with the expectation of an additional return. This additional return, according to the MUI, is considered an unjust gain at the expense of the borrower. #### Contemporary Scholars' Perspectives While the MUI maintains a strict interpretation of *riba*, contemporary Islamic scholars offer a more nuanced perspective. Some scholars argue that the prohibition of *riba* applies only to traditional forms of usury, where interest is charged on a fixed amount of money. They contend that modern banking practices, with their complex financial instruments and risk-sharing mechanisms, do not necessarily constitute *riba*. These scholars argue that the focus should be on the underlying economic principles and the intention of the parties involved. #### The Concept of *Musharakah* and *Mudarabah* To address the issue of *riba* in modern finance, Islamic scholars have developed alternative financial models based on the principles of *musharakah* (profit-sharing) and *mudarabah* (profit-sharing with one party providing capital and the other providing expertise). These models aim to eliminate the element of fixed interest and instead share the risks and profits between the lender and the borrower. #### The Debate Continues The debate surrounding bank interest in Islam remains ongoing. While the MUI maintains its strict interpretation, contemporary scholars continue to explore alternative models and interpretations that align with Islamic principles. The debate highlights the complexities of applying Islamic law to modern financial practices and the need for ongoing dialogue and scholarly engagement. #### Conclusion The controversy surrounding bank interest in Islam reflects the ongoing effort to reconcile Islamic principles with the realities of modern finance. The MUI's stance, based on a strict interpretation of *riba*, stands in contrast to the more nuanced perspectives of contemporary scholars who seek to develop alternative financial models that are both ethically sound and economically viable. The debate underscores the importance of continuous dialogue and scholarly engagement in navigating the complexities of Islamic finance in a rapidly evolving global economy.