The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "An Israeli man asked another Israeli to lend him one thousand Dinars. The second man required witnesses. The former replied, 'Allah is sufficient as a witness.' The second said, 'I want a surety.' The former replied, 'Allah is sufficient as a surety.' The second said, 'You are right,' and lent him the money for a certain period. The debtor went across the sea. When he finished his job, he searched for a conveyance so that he might reach in time for the repayment of the debt, but he could not find any. So, he took a piece of wood and made a hole in it, inserted in it one thousand Dinars and a letter to the lender and then closed (i.e. sealed) the hole tightly. He took the piece of wood to the sea and said. 'O Allah! You know well that I took a loan of one thousand Dinars from so-and-so. He demanded a surety from me but I told him that Allah's Guarantee was sufficient and he accepted Your guarantee. He then asked for a witness and I told him that Allah was sufficient as a Witness, and he accepted You as a Witness. No doubt, I tried hard to find a conveyance so that I could pay his money but could not find, so I hand over this money to You.' Saying that, he threw the piece of wood into the sea till it went out far into it, and then he went away. Meanwhile he started searching for a conveyance in order to reach the creditor's country.
One day the lender came out of his house to see whether a ship had arrived bringing his money, and all of a sudden he saw the piece of wood in which his money had been deposited. He took it home to use for fire. When he sawed it, he found his money and the letter inside it. Shortly after that, the debtor came bringing one thousand Dinars to him and said, 'By Allah, I had been trying hard to get a boat so that I could bring you your money, but failed to get one before the one I have come by.' The lender asked, 'Have you sent something to me?' The debtor replied, 'I have told you I could not get a boat other than the one I have come by.' The lender said, 'Allah has delivered on your behalf the money you sent in the piece of wood. So, you may keep your one thousand Dinars and depart guided on the right path.' "
Kafalah: Commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari 2291
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the sublime nature of divine guarantee (Kafalah) when undertaken with sincere faith. The Israeli man's absolute trust in Allah as both Witness and Surety represents the highest form of tawakkul (reliance upon God).
Theology of Divine Guarantee
When the debtor declared "Allah is sufficient as a witness" and "Allah is sufficient as a surety," he demonstrated complete yaqeen (certainty) in Allah's attributes as Al-Hafiz (The Preserver) and Al-Wakil (The Trustee). This reflects the Quranic principle: "And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him" (65:3).
The lender's acceptance of Allah's guarantee shows recognition that the Creator's assurance transcends all worldly securities. This mutual faith created a spiritual contract blessed by divine supervision.
Miraculous Divine Intervention
The extraordinary return of the money through the wooden piece demonstrates how Allah honors the trust placed in Him. The sea, typically a means of dispersion, became an instrument of preservation - showing that natural laws submit to divine will when sincere faith is present.
The timing wherein both parties received confirmation simultaneously reflects Allah's perfect wisdom in arranging affairs to strengthen the faith of both believer and observer.
Moral and Legal Implications
This hadith establishes that while worldly guarantees are permissible, ultimate trust must be in Allah. The debtor's relentless effort to fulfill his obligation, coupled with his trust in Allah, exemplifies the balance between worldly effort (asbab) and divine reliance.
The lender's refusal of the second payment demonstrates extraordinary integrity and recognition of divine fulfillment of contracts. This sets a supreme example in financial dealings for the Muslim ummah.