Reflections on the Issue of Satan’ Khabṭ in the Verse ‎ 2: 275, Regarding Shi’a and Sunni Views‎

The verse 275 of Surah al-Baqara, in contrast to the previous verses speaking of charity, points to usury and describes the usurers as those who have been struck (khabṭ) by Satan’s impact (mass: touch). The present article attempts to clarify this description through the exact meaning of the word “khabṭ”. Most exegetes believe that this word is the same as mass, dementia and epilepsy, and hence the description used in this verse shows madness of usurers. They have doubts only about the real or virtual creation of insanity by Satan. Regarding the literal meaning of the words “qawama”, “khabṭ” and “mass” and the use of these words in other verses and narratives, it is proved that the purpose of the verse of striking the usurers with the Satan’s impact is not dementia of usurers, but is to depict their rising that is in opposite direction to the nature of human (faṭrah) and will change their mind and cause to their downward move.