QUESTION:
A person owes me a small amount of money and I think he has forgotten he borrowed money from me. Due to his seniority, I feel hesitant to remind him. I have forgiven him in my mind for the sake of Allah. Is it necessary to inform him that I have forgiven his debt as it may embarass him. Also, if he remembers in the future and offers to pay it back, can I accept the money?
ANSWER:
If you don’t intend taking the money back, then you should inform him that it’s a gift from your side. By doing so, he will feel honoured and be absolved from his responsibility. It is possible that he remembers the debt but is not able to settle it immediately, hence the delay. By clarifying the matter, he will be at ease. Also, if he is unaware of you forgiving the debt, then he would pay the debt to your estate if you predecease him, hence it is best to clarify the matter.
عَنْ رِبْعِيِّ بْنِ حِرَاشٍ، أَنَّ حُذَيْفَةَ، حَدَّثَهُمْ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” تَلَقَّتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ رُوحَ رَجُلٍ مِمَّنْ كَانَ قَبْلَكُمْ، فَقَالُوا: أَعَمِلْتَ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ شَيْئًا؟ قَالَ: لَا، قَالُوا: تَذَكَّرْ، قَالَ: كُنْتُ أُدَايِنُ النَّاسَ فَآمُرُ فِتْيَانِي أَنْ يُنْظِرُوا الْمُعْسِرَ، وَيَتَجَوَّزُوا عَنِ الْمُوسِرِ، قَالَ: قَالَ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: تَجَوَّزُوا عَنْهُ “(صحيح مسلم #1560)
Rib’ee Bin Hiraash narrates that Hadrat Huzaifa Radiallahu Anhu narrated to them that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “The angels encountered the soul of a person who was from the previous Ummats. They said, “Do you know of any good?” He replied, “NO!” They said, “Remember!” He said, “I used to loan money to people and I would command my workers to grant respite to the needy and they be tolerant towards the wealthy. Allah Ta’ala said, “Be tolerant to him (meaning forgive him.)”
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date:- 02 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1445 / 18 September 2023
