The Prophet (ﷺ) said: After the grave sins which Allah has prohibited the greatest sin is that a man dies while he has debt due from him and does not leave anything to pay it off, and meets Him with it.
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "After the grave sins which Allah has prohibited the greatest sin is that a man dies while he has debt due from him and does not leave anything to pay it off, and meets Him with it."
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 3342 | Book: Commercial Transactions (Kitab Al-Buyu)
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes the severe spiritual danger of dying while in debt without making provisions for its repayment. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) places this sin immediately after the major prohibitions (kaba'ir) mentioned in the Quran, indicating its gravity in the sight of Allah.
The phrase "meets Him with it" signifies that the debtor will stand before Allah on the Day of Judgment burdened with this unresolved obligation. Scholars explain that while debt itself is permissible, negligence in repayment constitutes a transgression against the rights of others (huquq al-'ibad), which Allah takes most seriously.
Imam al-Nawawi comments that this emphasizes the necessity of settling debts promptly and making arrangements for their payment before death. The debtor must either repay from existing wealth or seek forgiveness from the creditor. If neither is possible, he should sincerely intend to repay when able.
Legal Rulings & Practical Guidance
Scholars derive from this hadith that settling debts takes precedence over voluntary acts of worship, including optional charity and Hajj. The heirs are obligated to pay the deceased's debts from the estate before distribution of inheritance.
If a person dies insolvent, scholars recommend that relatives or the community assist in repaying the debt to relieve the deceased of this burden. Some jurists consider it recommended (mustahabb) for creditors to forgive the debt of a deceased Muslim, earning great reward from Allah.
The prudent Muslim should avoid unnecessary debt, keep clear records of obligations, and prioritize repayment. Regular istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and good deeds can serve as protection against the spiritual consequences of unpaid debts.