Author: Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hamad, may Allah protect him
“Whoever grants respite to a needy debtor or forgives him, Allah will shade him on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Sahih Muslim / Al-Zuhd: 7512]
“If the debtor is in difficulty, then grant him a delay until he is in a position to repay; and if you give him a charity, it is better for you if you only knew.”
[Al-Baqarah: 280]
In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated:
“Whoever grants respite to a needy person or forgives a debt, Allah will grant him relief from the difficulties and distress of the Day of Resurrection.”
[Sahih Muslim / Al-Musaqat: 4000]
The virtue of this act is further elaborated in another hadith:
“If a person has a right over another and he grants him a lengthy delay in payment, he will receive the reward of charity for each day of delay.”
[Musnad Imam Ahmad, p. 443, vol. 4]
“Whoever grants respite to a needy debtor or forgives him, Allah will shade him on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Sahih Muslim / Al-Zuhd: 7512]
Benefits:
In financial dealings such as buying, selling, and lending, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has guided this Ummah that each party should show goodwill and consideration for the other. Those who have a right over someone should strive to fulfill it, and those who have a right owed to them should approach the matter with generosity and kindness. One should not adopt a harsh and inflexible attitude in this matter. If someone sells goods on credit to a poor person or lends him money and the debtor is unable to repay on time, he should be granted further respite or the debt should be forgiven. The Holy Quran provides clear instructions regarding this. Allah Almighty states:“If the debtor is in difficulty, then grant him a delay until he is in a position to repay; and if you give him a charity, it is better for you if you only knew.”
[Al-Baqarah: 280]
In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated:
“Whoever grants respite to a needy person or forgives a debt, Allah will grant him relief from the difficulties and distress of the Day of Resurrection.”
[Sahih Muslim / Al-Musaqat: 4000]
The virtue of this act is further elaborated in another hadith:
“If a person has a right over another and he grants him a lengthy delay in payment, he will receive the reward of charity for each day of delay.”
[Musnad Imam Ahmad, p. 443, vol. 4]
