In the Name of Allāh.
Despite the transience of this Dunyā (worldly life), we still see people who are ready to enjoy its pleasure with whatever it takes. Pathetically, they even go into debt – especially taking loans with Ribā (usury or interest).
The perils of debt (called Dayn [دين] in Arabic) have been a source of anguish and despair for countless souls throughout history. Islām dislikes debt, warns against it, and urges us to avoid it as much as possible because it creates worry by night and causes humiliation by daytime. It was narrated that ‘Umar Ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) said: “Beware of debt, for it starts with worry and it ends with war.” [Al-Muwaṭṭa’, 2/770]
Debt, like a chain around one’s neck, can drag us down to the depths of humiliation and desperation, clouding our judgment and leading us astray. The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) is a shining example of righteousness and wisdom, and his example serves as a guiding light for us in matters of debt and financial responsibility.
It’s mentioned that the Prophet (ﷺ) would not offer the funeral prayer on a person who had died in a state of debt and did not have enough property to repay until it is paid for him. Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said: “The soul of the believer is suspended because of his debt until it is paid off.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 1078] This emphasizes the gravity of this burden and the importance of seeking help for those who are unable to repay their debts.
Also, Islām, in its wisdom, has cautioned us against the slippery slope of borrowing without the intention of repayment, warning of the moral and spiritual dangers that lie ahead. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The one who takes people’s wealth intending to pay it back, Allāh will pay it back for him, and the one who takes it intending to destroy it, Allāh will destroy him.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2387]
Dear brethren, let’s heed the warnings of Islām and strive to live our lives free from the shackles of debt. We should always remember that in times of difficulty, when the road ahead seems dark and the burden of debt feels overwhelming, the light of Allāh’s Mercy and Compassion is our guide, illuminating the way forward and filling our hearts with hope and strength because it is only through His Grace that we can find the path to financial stability and spiritual purity, free from the trappings of excessive materialism, from the weight of debt and its attendant woes, and from the seduction of Ribā.
More importantly, let’s constantly seek Allāh’s Protection from debt as the Prophet (ﷺ) did, by saying, “Allāhumma innī a’udhu bika min al-ma’thami wa’l-maghram” [Translation: O Allāh! I seek Your Protection from sin and debts]. When he was asked about this supplication, he replied: “When a man falls in to debt, he speaks lies and breaches his promises.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 832, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 589]
I beseech Allāh to bless us with the strength and resolve to overcome the trials of debt, and to find solace in the knowledge that He is always with us, guiding us through all darknesses into the light of His Mercy and Forgiveness. Aameen.
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