Analisis Literasi Keuangan Syariah: Menakar Pemahaman Riba Dalam Praktik Hutang Piutang Masyarakat Sarolangun

Abstract

This study aims to assess the extent of public understanding regarding the concepts of usury (riba) and bank interest, and how this knowledge influences their daily debt practices, particularly concerning the choice between conventional and Islamic banks. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method involving 400 respondents in Cermin Nan Gedang District, Sarolangun Regency, chosen selectively to represent the population. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, both face-to-face and online. The results show that the majority of the community theoretically has a good understanding that usury is forbidden in Islam and realizes that conventional bank interest contains elements of usury. However, this understanding is not directly proportional to their economic behavior; the community continues to use conventional banks as the main medium for debt. This is due to a lack of literacy regarding the profit-sharing system in Islamic banks, limited access to Islamic financial institutions in the area, and the pressure of economic needs and lifestyle.