Indeed Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. Yet some people—may Allah grant us well-being—treat the matter lightly: they go into debt merely to cover the entire house with plush carpets, even the staircase; this is wrong. Others borrow so they can buy a deluxe car when an ordinary one costing, say, 20,000 would meet their needs. He insists on spending 100,000 while he is poor.

Such conduct reflects poor judgment, weakness of faith, and a lack of concern, for debt is not expiated—even martyrdom in the path of Allah does not erase it. How, then, can you incur debt except in cases of dire necessity? And by “necessity” I do not mean simple “need”: even if you feel you need several luxuries, do not borrow. Do not purchase what you cannot pay for. Be patient until Allah provides for you, and then buy according to your means. Hence the sound popular proverb: “Stretch your legs only as far as your blanket reaches; if you stretch them farther you will be exposed to cold, the sun, and the like.”

These evidences warn against debt and show that a person should avoid falling into it.

Here is a related issue: some people are in debt yet still give voluntary charity, saying, “I love this act of charity.” This is unlawful. How can you give charity while you are indebted? Discharge what is obligatory first, then perform voluntary deeds second. Whoever gives charity without settling his debt is like someone who builds a palace while demolishing a village.