and delays payment until the creditor is compelled to lodge a complaint, then whatever expenses the creditor incurs as a result must be borne by the debtor who wrongfully delays payment, provided those expenses are incurred in the customary manner.
He was asked:
About someone imprisoned for debt who has no means of repayment other than property pledged to the creditor: should he be granted time and released so that he can sell it?
He replied:
If he has no means of repayment other than the pledged property, the creditor must grant him time to sell it. If selling it is impossible unless he is released, or selling it while imprisoned would cause him harm, he must be released to sell it. A guarantee should be secured on his behalf, or the creditor or his agent should go to him.
He was asked:
About a man who owes a debt that is due and owns property that provides no surplus beyond what is needed for his own maintenance and that of his dependants. If he wishes to sell it, he can obtain only less than its fair market price. Must he sell it below its fair market price? If he is not required to sell it, should his debt be payable in instalments proportionate to his circumstances, or not?
He replied:
It is not to be sold except at the usual fair market price generally prevailing in that locality, unless