if a believer died at the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he had debts, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would ask: “Did he leave anything with which to off his debt?” If they said yes, then he would offer the funeral prayer for him, but if they said no, then he would say: “Pray for your companion.” When Allah granted his Prophet (ﷺ) the conquests, he said: “I am nearer to the believers than their own selves. Whoever dies owing a debt, I will pay it off for him, and whoever leaves behind wealth, it will be for his heirs.”
Narrated by It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that:
Context
In this narration, Abu Hurairah describes how the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) handled the funeral prayers for believers who died with debts. He emphasized the importance of settling debts, indicating a compassionate approach towards the deceased while also highlighting the significance of financial responsibility.
Modern Application
This principle serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize settling debts and being responsible with finances. It encourages a culture of accountability and support within the community, especially in times of loss.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Funeral Rites and Debts and Loans because it addresses the treatment of debts in relation to funeral practices and the responsibilities of the living towards the deceased.
The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and, when they are [meeting] with him for a matter of common interest, do not depart until they have asked his permission. Indeed, those who ask your permission, [O Muhammad] - those are the ones who believe in Allah and His Messenger. So when they ask your permission for something of their affairs, then give permission to whom you will among them and ask forgiveness for them of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
And do not pray [the funeral prayer, O Muhammad], over any of them who has died - ever - or stand at his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. And those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allah than the [other] believers and the emigrants, except that you may do to your close associates a kindness [through bequest]. That was in the Book inscribed.
O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest - [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allah if you doubt [their testimony, saying], "We will not exchange our oath for a price, even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of Allah. Indeed, we would then be of the sinful."
This hadith is #2149 from Sunan Ibn Majah, in the Book of The Chapters on Charity. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that:.