Please help...problem in understanding verse 2:282

[Sword]

Salam alaykum everyone.


Verse 2:282 is the longest ayah of the Quran. But I am having trouble understanding a part of it. See the bold part in the translation below.

2:282
Pickthall: 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 (waashhidoo itha tabayaAAtum), 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.

The Arabic of that part is "waashhidoo itha tabayaAAtum". Most translators translate this part as "and take witness when you trade with one another / make commercial transaction".

Does this mean that if I sell something to someone or buy something from someone, we will need a witness, yet the previous part says that a buying / selling transaction may not be recorded in paper? How can it be that a paper record is not required but a witness is required? Nowhere in this world does a person buy or sell something and have it purposefully witnessed by another person.

So what could be it's correct interpretation?

[deleted]

Peace be upon you, 

Perhaps 28:27-28 — Moses' statement of  "وَاللَّهُ عَلَى مَا نَقُولُ وَكِيلٌ"  (and the god upon what we state is a witness) —is somehwat relevant to this discussion also?

[deleted]

Bump.

[Truth Seeker]

Salaam,

You said in your post:

Does this mean that if I sell something to someone or buy something from someone, we will need a witness, yet the previous part says that a buying / selling transaction may not be recorded in paper? How can it be that a paper record is not required but a witness is required? Nowhere in this world does a person buy or sell something and have it purposefully witnessed by another person.

The verse doesn't say that a transaction may not be recorded on paper. It says:
"Be not averse to writing down (the contract) whether it be small or great, with (record of) the term thereof.

That means we should write it down, regarding debts and their terms. It goes on to emphasis the importance of it and tells us that it is the best method in order to avoid disputes arising.

Regarding selling merchandise a receipt would suffice in this day and age as it is written proof of a transaction as both parties are agreeing to the contract of sale.