Re: have anyone read this horrible book....
Of course words have to be interpreted for their intent and times. Words are just that - words. The message is in the message. That's why it doesn't necessarily work to say "consult a scholar". Scholars tend to not interpret for the intent and times.
Obviously the way interest was used in the badlands of 7th century Arabia was immoral. There was no fair system. No regulation. No concern for the uneducated or poor.
You can't tell me that today, receiving a home loan at 5.9% is immoral in any way. And yet you can't tell me that a loan shark who charges 100%/7 days or breaks your knees if you can't pay, is moral.
Intent. Morality. Common sense. Golden rule. Compassion. Love. Fairness. Peace. Charity. Respect. Those are the words. That is the message.