On Bankruptcy and Delay (in Demanding Payment)
It is related from Abú Saʿíd that he said, 'A man in the time of the Prophet had a misfortune with some fruit which he had bought, and his debts increased. Then the Apostle of God said, "Give him alms." So the people gave him alms; but it did not reach the amount required to liquidate his debts. Then the Apostle of God said to his creditors, "Take what you get; for you will get nothing else beside that."'—Muslim.
It is related from Abú Hurairah that, 'The Prophet said, "There was a man who used to lend men money. And he was in the habit of saying to his young man, "When thou comest to one who is reduced to poverty, then forgive him. It may be that God will forgive us." (The Prophet) said, "That man met God, and he was forgiven."'—Muslim, Al Bukhárí.
It is related from Salamah binuʾl-Akwaʿ that he said, 'We were sitting near the Prophet when a bier was brought. And they said (to him), "Pray over it." He replied, " Has he any debts?" They said, 'No." Then he prayed over him. After that another bier was brought, and he said, "Has he any debts?" It was said, "Yes." He asked, "Has he left anything?" They replied, "Three dinars." Then he prayed over him. After that a third (bier) was brought. He asked, "Has he any debts?" They replied, "Three dinars." He said, "Has he left anything?" They replied, "No." He said, "Then you may pray over your friend." Abú Qatádah said, "O Apostle of God, pray over him, and I will be responsible for his debts." Then he prayed over him.'—Al Bukhárí.
It is related from Abú Qatádah that, 'A man said, "O Apostle of God, tell me, if I am killed in the way of God, being patient, hoping for rewards, facing (the enemy), and not turning my back to them, will God expiate my sins?" The Apostle of God replied, "Yes." Then when the man turned away, he called him and said, "Yes, except debt. Thus said Gabriel."'—Muslim.
It is related from Al Barái bin ʿÁzib that, 'The Apostle of God said, "A man who is in debt is a prisoner to his debt. He will complain to his Lord of loneliness on the day of resurrection."'—In Sḥarhu's-Sunnat. And it is related that Muáʾdh was in debt, and his creditors came to the Prophet. Then the Prophet
