Debts and Borrowing

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘You must seek protection with Allah against over- powering debts, dominating (increasing) number of men and single women.’”

“I once said to abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), ‘We are told that a man from al-Ansar died while he owed two dinar to pay. The Holy Prophet, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your…

“Abu al-Hassan (a.s.), said to me, ‘Whoever works to provide sustenance for himself and his family is considered a Mujahid (fighter) for the cause of Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious. If poverty over-powers him, he…

“He (the Imam) (a.s.), has said, ‘I like for a man, who is indebted, to sincerely have the intention of paying it off.’”

“A man asked al-Rida’ (a.s.), when I was listening, ‘I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause, Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, says, “If one has difficulty to pay his debts, he should be given…

“Abu Ja‘far (a.s.), has said, ‘Being killed for the cause of Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, serves as expiation for all kinds of sins except debts, for which there is no expiation other than paying it back or those…

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘The Imam pays off the debts of the believing people except Muhur (dowry) of women.’”

“Once a man came to abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), saying that al-Mu‘alla’ ibn Khunays owed him a certain amount and said, ‘He has destroyed my rights.’ Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), said, ‘Your rights are destroyed by the one who…

“I once said to abu Ja‘far, al-Thaniy (a.s.), ‘I like to reside in Makkah or al-Madinah, but there is a certain amount of debt that I must pay. What do you advise me to do?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘You must return to pay…

“I heard abu al-Hassan, Musa (a.s.), read the following: ‘O mother, if I may become indebted (consider) that Moses son of ‘Imran would also borrow.’”

“Abu ‘Abd Allah, from his ancestors from Ali (a.s.), has stated this Hadith. ‘Beware of debts; it humiliates during the day and causes sadness during the night and it is payable both in this world and in the hereafter.’”