This is also the view preferred by Shaykh al-Islam, because such a stipulation does not contradict the implication of the contract; rather, it completes it. The purpose of a loan is accommodation and benevolence, and granting a deferment is part of perfecting that benevolence. Thus, deferment is more considerate toward the borrower.

From another perspective, Allah the Exalted says:

“O you who believe, fulfil your contracts.” [al-Ma'idah 5:1]

This is a contract in which deferment has been stipulated, so it must be fulfilled. Allah’s command to fulfil contracts includes fulfilling both their essential terms and their qualifying provisions—namely, the conditions stipulated within them. Allah the Exalted also says:

“And fulfil every commitment, for every commitment will be questioned.” [al-Isra' 17:34]

The lender who grants him a deferment has undertaken not to demand repayment until the term has ended; thus, he will be held accountable before Allah for this undertaking.

Moreover, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Every condition not found in the Book of Allah is invalid.” (1) This indicates that a condition which does not contradict the Book of Allah is not invalid. The Prophet ﷺ also said: “Muslims are bound by their conditions, except a condition that makes lawful what is unlawful or makes unlawful what is lawful.” (2)

Furthermore, demanding repayment while the loan is deferred constitutes a breach of promise, and breaking one’s promise is among the characteristics of hypocrites. All of these proofs indicate that, if a loan has been deferred, it must remain deferred. Moreover, this may otherwise cause the borrower severe harm.

For example, a man loans me fifty thousand to purchase a car from which I may benefit. I purchase the car on the condition that the loan is deferred for one year. Thus, on