Azlan Othman
People are urged to be determined to pay back debt they owe and not to delay, give excuses, escape from paying at all or to initiate quarrel when unable to pay, Imams said in the Friday sermon.
The debtor should also update the creditor from time to time, not be elusive when contacted and not to treat the creditor as an enemy.
“Debt has now become the need in people’s daily lives to buy a house, car, land, to run a business as well as other necessities,” Imams said.
“According to Syara’, to be in debt is permissible as it is a form of transaction and Muamalat in Islam, but for beneficial purpose and in accordance with Islamic teachings.”
At the same time, Islam teaches Ummah how to manage income and expenses moderately.
“When we follow and embrace Islamic teachings on spending and managing our income, we will not be burdened by huge debt,” Imams said. “Although Islam does not forbid its Ummah to be in debt, it is not encouraged. Hence, the Ummah is advised to avoid debt. It is obligatory for a person to pay debt and haram if the debt is not paid. But there are certain people who are not able to settle the debt due to financial constraints.
“They should strive and find ways to settle the debt as Allah the Almighty will assist and facilitate those wishing to settle debt.
“In addition, those who are in debt should inform their heirs so that the debt can be repaid should the debtor die and is unable to settle the debt. The sin of debt will not be forgiven by Allah the Almighty as long as the debt is not cleared,” Imams said.
Imams added, “People are in debt because of lack of faith and religious knowledge, and obedience to abide by the Syariah, too influenced by current trends, incurring too much debt even for unimportant and unnecessary matters, to be luxurious or show off luxuries, procrastinates in repaying debts, incurring an amount of debt which he himself is not capable of settling, to be in debt for haram and forbidden matters, unwise in spending and in prioritising expenses.
“One should only be in debt if necessary, avoid adding more debt before paying off previous ones, provide information and discuss when to settle such debts if the deadline has passed, plan expenses wisely and to prioritise on expenditure.”
Imams advised Ummah to avoid being in huge debt and lured with lavish lifestyles while reminding them to live in moderation.
