284. Prohibition of Procrastinating by a Rich Person to Fulfill his Obligation

Chapter 284

Prohibition of Procrastinating by a Rich Person to Fulfill his Obligation

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Verily, Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due.” (4:58)

“Then if one of you entrust the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust (faithfully).” (2:283)

1611. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “It is an act of oppression on the part of a person to procrastinate in fulfilling his obligation; if the repayment of a debt due to any of you is undertaken by a rich person, you should agree to the substitution.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:

1. Evasion or procrastination in the payment of debt, when a person is in a position to make its payment immediately, is prohibited.
2. If for the settlement of dispute, a rich man is entrusted to the lender for recovery of his debt, the lender should accept this decision. Thus, this Hadith induces one for an amicable way of settling disputes.

 Reference: 

Riyadh ul Saliheen