Can I Use Money Despite Having a Debt?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
If I have a debt and want to pay it slowly but still use some money for myself, is that okay? Or do I have to pay it immediately and give all my money?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
You can use it if you need it so long as you intend to and made a plan to repay your debt. There is no problem in spending the money.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The soul of the believer is suspended because of his debt until it is paid off.” [Tirmidhi]
The words “the soul of the believer is suspended” – Imam al-Suyuti said: “It is detained and kept from reaching its noble destination.” Al-‘Iraqi said: “No judgment is passed as to whether it will be saved or doomed until it is determined whether his debt will be paid off or not.” [Mubarakpuri, Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi]
Therefore, the default status quo is that a person will be prevented from entering Janna until their debts are paid. This teaches us the severity of debt and that we should do our best to pay our debts and arrange for their payment should we pass away. However, Allah could still forgive such a person if He chooses.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.
Related
- Is It Permissible to Get a Job by Giving Some Form of Monetary Payment? (seekersguidance.org)
- Clearing Debts and Keeping Faith – SeekersGuidance
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?
I pray this helps with your question.
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.
He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.
He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.
He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.
