Settling an outstanding debt

QUESTION:-

Some time ago, I ran a business which subsequently closed down. At the time, I owed some wholesalers money but I was unable to pay them. Recently, I acquired a job and I am now in a position to settle the debt. Of the two wholesalers, one has stopped trade and the other has no record of my debt. How do I resolve this issue?

ANSWER:-

As long as both parties agree upon an amount and settle the matter, the matter will be resolved. Make an offer to them and if they agree to accept it as a settlement, you may pay and settle the account since the actual records and figures are not available. They are also entitled to overlook and forgive you for the debt.

وَالصُّلْح جَائِز عَن دَعْوَى الْأَمْوَال وَالْمَنَافِع وَيصِح عَن جنايات الْعمد وَالْخَطَأ وَلَا يجوز الصُّلْح عَن دَعْوَى حد (بداية المبتدي ص176 ج1)

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:-

Mufti Mohammed Desai                                                                                                                          Date:-  27 Dhul Hijjah 1444 / 17 July 2023