Written by: Fatāwā of the Saudi Fatwa Committee
When a credit-based sale or purchase is made — meaning payment is due at a specified time in the future — Allah سبحانه وتعالى has commanded that such transactions be written down and witnessed, in order to prevent forgetfulness or dispute.
At the end of Surah al-Baqarah, in the verse of debt, Allah says:
«وَلَا تَسْأَمُوا أَن تَكْتُبُوهُ صَغِيرًا أَوْ كَبِيرًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَأَقْوَمُ لِلشَّهَادَةِ وَأَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَرْتَابُوا»
[al-Baqarah: 282]
“And do not tire of writing it down, whether small or large, until its due date. That is more just in the sight of Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more likely to prevent doubt among you.”
This indicates that documenting a transaction brings about greater justice, ensures stronger and more accurate testimony, and removes doubt and confusion. When the need arises, one can simply present the written document, which contains all the necessary details. Thus, writing is a means of preserving rights.
As for instant cash dealings, which are settled immediately — where there is no loan involved and no deferred payment — there is no harm in not writing them down.
Examples include:
In all these cases, documentation is not required, as the transaction is complete and no debt remains.
However, for all transactions involving deferred payment, writing is essential to avoid forgetfulness or dispute. Allah تعالى has clearly commanded:
«يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تَدَايَنتُم بِدَيْنٍ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَاكْتُبُوهُ وَلْيَكْتُب بَّيْنَكُمْ كَاتِبٌ بِالْعَدْلِ»
[al-Baqarah: 282]
“O you who have believed! When you contract a debt for a fixed term, write it down. And let a scribe write it between you in justice.”
This clarifies that writing ensures the protection of rights and serves as a safeguard for all parties involved.
[Ibn Bāz: Majmūʿ al-Fatāwā wa al-Maqālāt: 34/19]
✦ The Command to Write Down Financial Transactions
When a credit-based sale or purchase is made — meaning payment is due at a specified time in the future — Allah سبحانه وتعالى has commanded that such transactions be written down and witnessed, in order to prevent forgetfulness or dispute.
At the end of Surah al-Baqarah, in the verse of debt, Allah says:
«وَلَا تَسْأَمُوا أَن تَكْتُبُوهُ صَغِيرًا أَوْ كَبِيرًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَأَقْوَمُ لِلشَّهَادَةِ وَأَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَرْتَابُوا»
[al-Baqarah: 282]
“And do not tire of writing it down, whether small or large, until its due date. That is more just in the sight of Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more likely to prevent doubt among you.”
This indicates that documenting a transaction brings about greater justice, ensures stronger and more accurate testimony, and removes doubt and confusion. When the need arises, one can simply present the written document, which contains all the necessary details. Thus, writing is a means of preserving rights.
✦ What About Immediate Cash Transactions?
As for instant cash dealings, which are settled immediately — where there is no loan involved and no deferred payment — there is no harm in not writing them down.
Examples include:
- Buying a car and paying for it on the spot.
- Purchasing an abaya (cloak) and handing over the money immediately.
- Buying utensils and paying for them at the time of purchase.
In all these cases, documentation is not required, as the transaction is complete and no debt remains.
However, for all transactions involving deferred payment, writing is essential to avoid forgetfulness or dispute. Allah تعالى has clearly commanded:
«يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تَدَايَنتُم بِدَيْنٍ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَاكْتُبُوهُ وَلْيَكْتُب بَّيْنَكُمْ كَاتِبٌ بِالْعَدْلِ»
[al-Baqarah: 282]
“O you who have believed! When you contract a debt for a fixed term, write it down. And let a scribe write it between you in justice.”
This clarifies that writing ensures the protection of rights and serves as a safeguard for all parties involved.
[Ibn Bāz: Majmūʿ al-Fatāwā wa al-Maqālāt: 34/19]
