(2:282) Although the verse begins with the issue of loan,...

(2:282) Although the verse begins with the issue of loan, its recommendations for a written agreement in all business deals is beyond any doubt. In a hadith mentioned earlier, the Prophet said that Allah would not answer the prayer of a person who prays against the defaulter who is refusing to pay back the loan, if the creditor did not put this loan agreement into writing and did not have it witnessed. Disputes and Arbitration Disagreements in partnerships are part of human nature.

When business is going up, everybody is happy; when it is going down, partners start having doubts about the efficiency or even integrity of co-partners. Therefore, no social system can survive without having a mechanism for resolution of disputes. That is why you have courts, judges and lawyers. Although people have access to the legal system in their own countries, but Shi'i Muslims should realize that they are only allowed to approach a Muslim authority for resolution of their disputes.

They must seek a solution within the community. Only when there are no community based tribunals or if they don't have the power to implement their judgments, can Shi'as then approach the secular courts for getting their legitimate right. Once 'Umar ibn Hanzala, asked Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s) about the legality of two Shi'ahs seeking a verdict from an unauthorized ruler or judge in a dispute over a debt or an estate.

The Imam answered that it was absolutely forbidden to do so; and then he read the following verse: “... (Yet in a dispute) they desire to summon one another to the judgment of the taghut [^3] though they were commanded to reject and disbelieve in him”.

(4:60) Then 'Umar ibn Hanzala asked, "Then what should the two (Shi'ahs) do?'' Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s) replied: "They must seek out one of your own who narrates our traditions, who is well-versed in what is permissible and what is forbidden, who is well-acquainted with our laws and ordinances, and then accept him as judge and arbiter, for I appoint him as judge over you.