The Book of Debtors

Allah Most High says:

“O you who believe, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down.” [al-Baqarah: 282]

And He says:

“After any bequest he may have made or debt.” [al-Nisā’: 11]

These words of His establish that incurring debt is permissible, provided that a person does so without extravagance or wrongdoing and believes that he will be able to repay what he owes.

Section

Many reports have been transmitted from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, containing stern warnings concerning debt. Among them is what Ibn Abī Qatāda narrated from his father, who said:

“A man came to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I am killed in Allah’s cause, remaining steadfast and seeking His reward, advancing rather than retreating, will Allah expiate my sins?’ The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, replied, ‘Yes.’ When the man turned away, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, called him back—or instructed someone to call him back—and asked him, ‘What did you say?’ He repeated his question, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, ‘Yes, except for debt, for that is what Gabriel, peace be upon him, told me.’”

Another report relates that “the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was sitting with his Companions at the place where funerals were held, when he raised his head and then lowered it