Resolving his brother's indebtedness to him
10-4-2004 | IslamWeb
Question:
What should a Muslim do if he is in debt when his brother owes him money and not able to pay him back? Can I forgive my brother what he owes me (few thousand dollars), because he is just not able to pay me? He has the intention to do so but every time he gets some money it all goes to his own credit card debts, or to his high standard of living, to get married, or to go to school. He is in hardship he can't even afford rent. It has been a few years now.
Also, I have my own credit card debt and some other loans, which amount to more than what he owes me. But I am afraid that if I don't take the initiative to forgive him, I may become in the same situation later, and would be treated the same way. Please correct me if I have any wrong ideas about these matters. What should I do in this matter?
Answer:
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
Granting a debtor a delay in paying back the sum, or pardoning him and excluding him from paying back at all, is one of the greatest actions by which one gets nearer to Allah.
The Qur'an incites people to behave in such a manner as Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.}[2:280].
It is confirmed in Saheeh Muslim from Ubada Ibn Samit (Radiya Allahu Anhu) that he heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) saying, "Whoever grants a debtor a respite in paying back the sum, or pardons him, Allah will put him under His shade…."
On the above grounds, if you are in a position to give up the debt, or part of it, then try to do so, otherwise give him a respite in paying back the debt until Allah makes it easy for him. You have to know, however, that dealing with an insurance card, if it is issued by banks which deal with usury and interest, may without doubt include dealing with usury and interest, so you have to be careful when dealing with this card, and try to advise your friend regarding this matter, you will be rewarded by Allah.
Allah knows best.