O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing. Let a

scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No scribe should refuse

to write as Allah hath taught him, so let him write, and let him who incurreth the

debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish naught

thereof. But if he who oweth the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable

himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity.

And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at

hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the

one erreth (through forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must

not refuse when they are summoned. Be not averse to writing down (the contract)

whether it be small or great, with (record of) the term thereof. That is more

equitable in the sight of Allah and more sure for testimony, and the best way of

avoiding doubt between you; save only in the case when it is actual merchandise

which ye transfer among yourselves from hand to hand. In that case it is no sin for

you if ye write it not. And have witnesses when ye sell one to another, and let no

harm be done to scribe or witness. If ye do (harm to them) lo! it is a sin in you.

Observe your duty to Allah. Allah is teaching you. And Allah is knower of all

things. ( 282 )