Steps to Overcome Debt: An Islamic Perspective

Financial hardships often compel individuals to seek loans to meet their needs. While borrowing may provide temporary relief, it can lead to severe consequences if not managed responsibly. In Islam, both lending and borrowing beyond one's means are discouraged, as they can lead to an inability to repay the debt on time, affecting the borrower's self-esteem and causing frustration for the lender.

Seeking Divine Assistance to Avoid Debt

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) frequently sought refuge in Allah from debt. A well-known hadith narrated by Hazrat Ayesha (R.A.) highlights the Prophet’s supplication after prayers: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from sin and debt." When asked why he emphasized seeking protection from debt, the Prophet (PBUH) explained, "People lie and break promises when they are in debt" (Bukhari, Hadith: 2,397).

Prayers for Debt Relief

Islamic teachings provide several prayers (duas) for seeking relief from debt. One such prayer is: "Allahumma inni aujubika minal hammi wal hazani, wa aujubika minal-azzi wal-qasali, wa aujubika minal-bukhli wal-jubani, wa aujubika min dulayiddaini wa galabatir rizal." This translates to, "O Allah! Surely I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from indolence and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt and the oppression of men" (Bukhari, Hadith: 2,893).

Another similar supplication by the Prophet (PBUH) is: "Allahumma inni aujubika minal kasali, wal harami, wal machami, wal maghrami." Meaning, "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from laziness, old age, sin, and debt" (Bukhari, Hadith: 6,007).

The Importance of Debt Repayment

Debt is considered a significant burden for a person of faith because it is a responsibility owed to another person. The only way to clear a debt is through repayment or forgiveness. Forgiving a debt carries immense rewards in the hereafter.

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abu Rabi'ah Al-Makhjumi (R.A.) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) took a loan of 30 or 40 thousand dirhams during the battle of Hunain. After returning from the war, the Prophet (PBUH) repaid the loan and prayed for the lender, saying, "May Allah bless you with your family and wealth. Indeed, the repayment of a debt is to repay it and praise it" (Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad).

Practical Advice from Hazrat Ali (RA)

In a notable incident, a man sought assistance from Hazrat Ali (RA), the fourth Caliph of Islam, to pay off a debt. Ali (RA) shared a supplication taught by the Prophet (PBUH): "Allahummak fini bi halalika an haramika, wa agnini bifadlika amman siwak." This means, "O Allah, suffice me with what is lawful to keep me away from what is prohibited, and with Your grace make me free from need of anyone besides You" (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3,563; Musnad Ahmad: 1,321).

For further insights on financial management from an Islamic perspective, visit our Islamic section.