Riba, commonly referred to as usury, is the practice of charging excessive interest on loans. In many cultures and religions, including Islam, it is considered unethical and exploitative. The prohibition of riba aims to promote fairness and justice in financial transactions, ensuring that lenders do not take advantage of borrowers. In Islamic finance, riba is strictly forbidden, and alternative financing methods, such as profit-sharing and leasing, are encouraged. This approach seeks to create a more equitable economic system, where both parties benefit from the transaction without the burden of excessive debt.