According to classical Islamic scholarship, the Quranic concept of 'devouring people's possessions unjustly' (أَكْل أَمْوَال النَّاس بِالْبَاطِلِ) is a comprehensive prohibition against all forms of illicit acquisition. Tafsir Ibn Kathir, commenting on Surah At-Tawbah 9:34, explains that this was manifested by religious leaders who took bribes and sold false rulings, exploiting their authority for worldly gain. Al-Qurtubi and Al-Tabari broaden this principle, based on verses like 2:188 and 4:29, to include any transaction that lacks a legitimate basis in Islamic law, such as bribery, fraud, usury, and theft. The powerful metaphor of 'devouring' (أكل) signifies the complete and destructive nature of this sin, which consumes the rights of others and erodes societal trust. The synthesis of these verses establishes the sanctity of private property and the absolute necessity of justice and mutual consent in all financial dealings.