O Believers! Whenever you strike deals with one another for a fixed period, reduce the transaction to writing. And the scribe amongst you should write it with justice and should not refuse to write as Allah has taught him to write. So he should write (i.e. he should meet the requirements of documentation with utmost honesty, in accordance with the law of the land). And he on whom the liability (i.e. debt) falls should dictate the contents of the contract. And he should fear Allah, Who is his Sustainer, and (while writing) he should not diminish anything (from the indebted sum). Then if he who has undertaken the liability is mentally deficient or physically weak or lacks the ability to dictate the contents, his guardian should dictate with fairness. And get two witnesses out of your own men. But if two men are not available then a man and two women: (they) should be from among those whom you like as witnesses (i.e. consider trustworthy), so that if either of the two women forgets, the other may remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse whenever they are called (for evidence). And do not be weary of writing it down for its term whether the transaction is small or large. This documentation by you is more just in the sight of Allah, and makes evidence more solid and nearer to keeping you from doubt, except that if transactions are hand-to-hand which you carry out among yourselves then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down. And take witnesses whenever you bargain among yourselves. And let no harm be done to either the scribe or the witness, but if you do so, it will be sheer disobedience on your part. And keep fearing Allah. And Allah grants you knowledge of (principles of mutual dealing) and Allah knows everything well.