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)


Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah 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.