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 one of the two erreth through forgetfulness the one of them will remind. 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.