Reports on those in debt (al-gharimin): who are they?

Abu Ja'far said regarding the words of Allah Almighty (and those in debt): it refers to those who spend without corruption; and (the wayfarer) refers to those who pass from one land to another (from one place to another, that is, who travel).

Mujahid said: Three kinds of people are among the gharimin (those in debt): a man whose wealth was swept away by a flood; a man who was struck by a fire so that his wealth was lost; and a man who has dependants but no wealth, so he borrows and spends on his dependants.

Abu Ja'far said: As for the debtor (gharim), the imam ought to pay off his debt for him.

Ma'qil said: I asked al-Zuhri about the gharimin (those in debt). He said: It refers to people in debt, and to the wayfarer, even if he is rich.